But over the years this rock has sustained some damage from
tourists covering it with chalk to photograph the glyphs to a
large crack developing near its center. Jackson County officials
have decided to develop a conservation plan to help preserve
this piece of Cherokee history. In early October county
commissioners hired Stratum Unlimited in Georgia to develop a
plan of action to prevent further damage. Archeologists will
discuss their plan later this month with commissioners, said
Jackson County Manager Ken Westmoreland. Preserving Judaculla
Rock is not only important to the Eastern Band, but also to area
residents. Anne Rogers, professor of anthropology at Western
Carolina University, has used the rock as a teaching tool for
her students. “It’s part of Cherokee’s history, and we need to
be aware that we live in the Cherokee’s homeland,” Rogers said.
“It’s just been exposed to all the elements for many years.” The
petroglyphs carved onto Judaculla Rock are images that are tough
to decipher. Squiggly lines a