Heavener Runestone

Although not a typical archaelogical dig, the runestone is included here due to its historical significance.

Locally referred to by early locals as "Indian Rock", the 12-foot high, 10-foot wide and 16-inch thick rock slab on Poteau Mountain in eastern Oklahoma's Le Flore Countyhas eight symbols carved into its face. The Smithsonian Institute has identified them as being Scandinavian runes. Research by Gloria Farley, who spent more than 30 years studying the stone, indicates the stone dates between 600 and 750 A.D. and was carved by Viking explorers from Iceland. She has translated the symbols as "Gnomel's Valley", a crude form of land claim of the era, and formally renamed it in 1951.

Others, however, dispute the "evidence" claiming that it was created circa 1687 by Gemme Hiens, a member of the La Salle expedition to the area.

Location: Heavener Oklahoma

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