PIPE SPRING Cultures at a Crossroads: An Administrative History

Leaving Their Mark

In May 1944 Heaton reported, "The other day my boys found some initials on some rocks... also pictures of trees, and one horse head, [and] other paint writings. Am not sure as to just what it is. Will make a more thorough study later. More Indian picture graphs were also found on ledges west of monument. These were of human figures as well as snakes and bear tracks." [1255] The first group Heaton refers to were located about one-quarter mile northwest of the monument "in a heart-shaped canyon." [1256] The "picture graphs" reported west of the monument were located approximately 300-400 yards west of the boundary. From time to time, Heaton would take small groups to see the Powell survey marker monument, which was on reservation land. [1257] Now, with the "discovery" of the Indian petroglyphs, he added a walk to Heart Canyon (also on the reservation) to take visitors to see the drawings as well.

The following year Heaton learned that this ancient Indian art form was being kept alive (albeit in a more popularized form) by Kaibab Paiute children. On May 16, 1945, the fort gates were defaced by a group of them. [1258] "Made a copy of names and initials left by Indian children on the fort." The names belonged to F. Jake, Bill Tom, Elouise Drye, E. Sampson, K. Mcartes, Charlie Chassis, and Warren Mayo." [1259] The east big gates had names, initials, dates, and drawings (such as a heart), scratched on with either plaster, sticks, and/or rocks, thought Heaton. The office door on the south of the building had pencilled graffiti on it. The lower half of east gate and office door were "pretty well covered," wrote Heaton. Some time later he spoke to Parven Church about the Indian children leaving their names on the fort. Church told him he would try to have the children come down and remove their names.