Utah is known for its rock art panels and ancient occupation, however few private land ownerships in Utah were as protected and treasured as the land now occupied by The Smith Family Archaeological Preserve. Archaeologist Elizabeth Hora leads us on a virtual tour of the Smith Family Archaeological Preserve, which has been stewarded by The Archaeological Conservancy since 2013 as the result of a generous land donation by the Adelbert Smith Family Trust.
The 196-acre preserve protects more than 200 petroglyphs and multiple features, including rock outcroppings, knolls, ridge lines, and boulders. People who lived along and visited the western shoreline of Utah Lake understood the benefits of this mixed landscape, as did local farmer and cattle rancher Adelbert Smith, who purchased the property in the 1950s.
Elizabeth Hora is the Public Archaeologist at the Utah State Historic Preservation Office. She directs the Utah Public Archaeology Network, uniting communities and organizations to safeguard Utah’s archaeological heritage. Her work focuses on interpretation of archaeological data, outreach and preventing vandalism at sensitive sites.
