The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking for Isaac and Emily. The pair apparently carved their names over an ancient petroglyph at Kanopolis Lake.

Petroglyphs are images and designs made by engraving, carving or scratching away the dark layer of rock varnish to reveal the lighter rock underneath, according to the Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The petroglyphs at Kanopolis Lake are thought to be more than 150 years old and were created by Native Americans.

The damage created by the person who carved "Isaac" and "Emily" onto the rock is irreversible. Instead of seeing the image of a bison, visitors will forever see those names.

“It is very sad someone would think to destroy something so important and valued by so many,” Tim Meade, archaeologist for the Corps of Engineers, said in a release. “Petroglyphs are considered to have important spiritual meaning to Native Americans representing the works of their ancient ancestors. These have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Kanopolis Lake over the years.”

“Resources at Kanopolis Lake are managed for the benefit of the American public and the Corps staff works hard to ensure these resources are available for future generations,” said Ryan Williams, Kanopolis Lake park manager. “The assistance of the public in a case like this is critical.”

The Corps is looking for anyone who might have information concerning who defaced the petroglyph. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kanopolis Lake at 785-546-2294.

Responses to " Vandals deface Native American petroglyphs which date back to the 1800s"

  1. Unknown says:

    Such a lack of respect is unacceptable. Karma will take care of them.

  2. Share, share, share! They need to be shamed!

  3. Isaac and Emily prolly don't realize what aholes they are.

  4. K K says:

    This should prosecuted as a hate crime, as cultural destruction, just like Palmyra. These people steal from the whole world.

  5. My grandparents generation had a saying about taggers:
    "Fools names like fools faces, often seen in public places."

  6. Ila Zais says:

    I hope they are found .

  7. Unknown says:

    Unfortunately, the people who did this, like too many Americans, have no concept of how culturally important these are to Native Americans. It is even possible they thought they were carrying on the tradition by leaving their own inscription for the future.Ignorance is the biggest danger to those wishing to preserve history.

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