Why We Can’t Have Nice Things: Vandalized Colorado Petroglyphs

Discovering vandalism on one's personal property is a terrible feeling, but things like vehicles, walls, etc. are all replaceable. That being said, it's even more disappointing to discover that someone has vandalized something irreplaceable, like historic artwork dating back to ancient times.

Unfortunately, a beautiful petroglyph bearing some of this ancient artwork in Colorado appears to have suffered vandalism for quite some time.

Colorado Petroglyphs Along Interstate 70

These ancient petroglyphs are located right off of the eastbound lanes of I-70 near De Beque Canyon in Western Colorado.

If you look closely, you'll see etchings of animals and human-like figures that were likely made by Ute Native Americans centuries ago.

While these figures are still intact, many of them are covered in etchings from much more recent times as products of senseless acts of graffiti.

What Kind of Vandalism is on the Colorado Petroglyphs?

While the vandalism is similar in that it was all made by etching into the stone, it's highly unlikely that it was all committed by the same person at the same time.

For example, if you look at the above photo, you'll see that the name Bill Craig appears to be etched into the stone, as well as several other letters and numbers.

However, the most unfortunate piece of vandalism on the petroglyphs is undoubtedly the swastika etched near the top of the stone.

Another etching appears to have been carved into the stone indicating that the vandal was born in 1883, although there is no way to prove it.

Not only is the act of vandalizing something like this immoral and illegal, it effectively ruins an amazing piece of history that can never be reproduced or restored.