The “Monte Video” inscription at Grand Canyon National Park: Why it’s likely from the Bass tourist era
Upchurch J. 2013. The “Monte Video” inscription at Grand Canyon National Park: Why it’s likely from the Bass tourist era. Park Science. 30(2):6-11
A study of human history suggests that a rock inscription was likely created about one century ago and not by 16th-century Spanish explorers. The MONTE VIDEO rock inscription at Grand Canyon was likely created between 1885 and 1920 when there was substantial human activity in the immediate area. This conclusion is supported by previous archeological site investigation and recent study of human history that demonstrates that this area was frequently visited during the Bass tourist era. A photographic comparison of the inscription in 1975 and 2011 reveals substantial deterioration in 36 years and casts doubt on the possibility of the inscription originating in the 16th century. An interpretation of Spanish accounts of the Coronado expedition questions whether the inscription site is likely a location the Spanish would have visited.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Upchurch, Jonathan
- Units
- GRCA , NRSS
- Keywords
- Colorado River, Coronado, engraving, Grand Canyon, Human history, inscription, Spanish exploration