Dingess Petroglyphs Near the Dingess Tunnel
65Petroglyphs are images created by removing part of a rock surfaces by incising, pecking, carving, and abrading. According to Wickipedia.
The petroglyphs shown below were found in the community where I live in 1987. They were carefully removed and relocated. They were found on a strip mining site. The markings are said to resemble Irish or Celtic Ogham. This site was the first archaelogical site which investigated an ogham petroglyph in West Virginia.
Dingess Petroglyphs
Dingess Tunnel
The community where these were found is also home to the Dingess Tunnel. At one time it was merely a railroad tunnel dug through the mountain. It is 9/10ths of a mile long and goes straight through. In 1960, the department of highways took over the tunnel and turned it into a roadway for automobile travel. The tunnel is narrow, (only one lane), but the driver can see all the way through to the end, (except at times when it is very foggy inside).
The picture below shows the tunnel from one end, but the angle of the camera isn't right to be able to see all the way through. As a matter of fact, you can see the headlights of an automobile shining in the picture as it nears the end of the tunnel.
There is also a youtube video of a ride through the tunnel for you to view if you wish.
Dingess Tunnel
A Ride Through the Dingess Tunnel
Mingo Map
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Yes it surely could J D. There isn't much information on these that I can find at the moment. Thanks for the comment. :)
It is wonderful to see some of the sites where you live in West Virginia. Thanks for sharing :).
Thank you Sweetie for the comment. I always appreciate your feedback.
Sirdent, I got knocked out of the chat room and it will never let me back in, just wanted to let you know. So are you going to add your own video of the tunnel soon :).
I am going to make the tunnel video as soon as I can. Try getting back in now if you want.
Interesting I wonder what the orign of these petroglyphs are? We have alot of petroglyhs (rock art) in South Africa and Namibia (Tyfelfontein being the best known in Namibia) . SA the white Lady of the Brandenburg is one of the most famous. Our rock art seems to come from the Bushmen(San) or hottentots way back in time.
I am not sure where they came from. There isn't a lot of information about them. I did find out that petroglyphs are found all over the world in many different nations.
There is said that thre is a people's that were here long before the American Indian's and I remember it beind said something of th Long Houses. I will look it up on the internet and see what I can find for you. This is interesting. I wonder what they would find in the deep caves on this state. Now that interests me too.
I do know tht when they started the strip mines here and in Maryland and Pennsylvania that lots of men and families came from Wales. There was some sort of uprising in the 1800's that caused them to seek work here. I think it had something to do with Unions and the mines being depleted over in Wales and England. I will have to post a hub about my ancestors who came from there and many worked the mines and one even worked on the Railroad. I will tell you what a Redneck really means too.
Bring some more of your West Virgiiia stuff here! I love it all! I didn't grow up in this state, but now tht I have been here it kind of makes you want to explore.
Our part of the state (Eastern Panhandle--Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties) is rich in Civil War stuff.
Very interesting comment LG. I appreciate your insight and observations.
Being a student of history I have to let everyone know the petroglyphs in West Virignia were made by Native Americans.
I found something of interest. There are links at the bottom of the page. I didn't go to the links but there were some that I thought would be interesting to get into on this topic.
Thanks for sharing these intriguing photos, SirDent. It's fascinating to imagine the history behind those petroglphs as well. They sure do look quite clear. Great hub.
Your fan.
Mon.
I am not trying to start a debate, but the petroglyphs were most definitely made by one of the Native Americans groups that once lived in West Virginia. There have been theories about different people coming Europe or Egypt to help groups such as the Aztecs build pyramids, but these theories are not widely accepted. Most historians and archaelogists believe Native Americans created these wonders on there own.
Sweetie, at one time all land in the world was connected. It was after the flood that God separated the continents. It would make sense that some in North Amewrica and some in other parts of the world would make similar symbols.
Thank you for the comment and the history lesson.
However, these petroglyphs in West Virginia were made more recently and by a group of Native Americans. Whereas I am a Christian, I have to say there is no scientific evidence to prove that the continents only came into being after the Great Flood. People have been on earth for more than six thousand years and there have been some Christian historians and scientists that have written research showing the reference to years in the Bible cannot always be taken literally. Science still explains how the world came into being and how the continents separated and I do not consider scientific explanations as contradicting the Bible. The first group of people to come to North and South America were the Native Americans via the land bridge that once existed between Siberia and Alaska. Also, there are similar petroglyphs world wide because all humans like to make symbols to leave stories for the future, especially since many groups did not have writing systems.
Here is a discussion of how many Christians believe the world is more than 6,000 years old. As a Christian I do not believe scientific explanations contradict the Bible, but show has complex and intricate our planet is.
I am not talking about scientific proof. I use the bible to find things out. I wrote a hub about the flood, maybe you should check it out to see where I am coming from.
http://hubpages.com/hub/Noahs-Flood-Local-or-Globa
I think it is an interesting read.
This is incredibly interesting, SirDent! I'd love to know what those petroglyphs actually 'say'. Do they have any idea of when they were made?
The tunnel looks creepy, but I'd love to really see it....just not drive through it.
Great hub!
Thanks for stopping by my hub Shirley. To see the tunnel is one thing. It must be experienced. I can't find much information on the petroglyphs. I'll keep looking though.
Have not seen the Dingess Petrolglyphs. Viewed the Salt Rock petroglyphs through Geocacheing.com. Am an abstractor and work in Mingo on occassion. Have seen Dingess tunnel. Well worth seeing. Do you know if there is a Geocache site for the Dingess petroglyphs?
I havent seen that tunnel in many years. My mother (Emma Jean) was borned and raised on that mountain. (Dingess Mountain) As a child we would go up the long clay/dirt like road.(didnt like it) The first house you would come to belonged to her brother, the second house belonged to her mother, the third house belonged to her brother and the house as you went around the bin belonged to her sister. My uncle would drive us thru the tunnel without his lights on and boy was it spooky.(yes, it was dangerous i know) My mother and several other members are buried right above that tunnel. I know there is alot of history there in West Virginia and love reading about it. Makes it better for me since my family has been apart of some of it. Thanks, for the drive thru the tunnel, still gives me the creeps! :)
My family lived and some still live on Dingess Mountain above the tunnel. My family members are buried above the tunnel as well. At one time they were talking about destroying that tunnel and the thought of moving their graves was horrifying. There are big cement steps that lead for the top of the tunnel down to the bottom that we would go down and attempt to walk through that tunnel. Often we got caught before we could enter, however we knew that there are manholes in the walls of the tunnel for you to step in and out of the way of moving vehicles. We were told that many people were killed attempting to walk through the tunnel. The essence of it being haunted is there and it is spooky, however it's a piece of history and should remain standing. I can still remember riding in the back of a pickup truck with water drops falling on me. You definity need to drive through it to understand.
I AM FROM DINGESS, I LIVED THERE FOR 17 YEARS AND MY MOM AND DAD WAS CIFFER AND DOROTHY DINGESS TOMBLIN WHICH THEY LIVED ABOVE THE GRAVEYARD AT THE END.THE TUNNEL IS AMAZING THING THAT BRINGS TOURIST TO DINGESS WEST VIRGINIA.ROSE AND DEBROAH JONES,I AM YOUR COUSIN.
Wow! Yes, that tunnel has always amused and amazed us city girls from Ohio. :)
So, Vina, you lived there 17 years? The last time i was down there i was a teenager, i am now 50 years old. Your house was the last house on the mountain near the spring. I used to love to drink from the spring the water was so cold and sparkling clean. I have been wondering about all of you, and really wanted to know what you all were doing these days. I know alot of things have changed there and everyone is grown now. It is sad that it has been so long since any of us have spoken with one another. Would love to know how everyone is doing, and what they have been us too. Is James still around & doing okay? I was told the last any one heard he was ill. Really, I want to know about everyone! Alot of years to catch up on. I am kind of in the state of shock right now, hard to believe that i actually found someone. I really don't want to post to much information on here, as to many people can see it. It is a shame that it has taken the internet for me to find my family. But, i will "Thank God" for it since it has lead me to you! :)
I would love to hear from you, again. I will have to figure out a way for us to be able to contact one another. Trust me, i will do it too! I will post the way for you to reach me here real soon. Can't wait to hear from you! I will check this every day now. All my love, your cousin, Debe
Hi Vina,
As i mentioned above i work on a way for you to get in touch with me. I have set up a new email address for you to be able to contact me. I will only use this email address until we have set up contact with one another. After i get a email from you, i will write you from my regular email address. I didn't want to post that on here in case i get email's from people that i really don't have any need to hear from. When you write to this address make sure in the subject line you put this. I am sure you remember my dad, *smile* In the subject line, put his name. This is some thing that you would know and strangers wouldn't, and that way i can verify the email is from you. Rose is excited that we have made contact with you, and wants to get in touch with you as well. Here is the email that you can reach me at: emailhere50@yahoo.com
After i get a email from you, i will write you back from my regular email address. Please, let all the family members know that you have made contact with us here in, Ohio! I am so looking forward to hearing from you. Just remember, put my dad's name in the subject line other wise, i will not even open the email. Again, can't wait to hear from you!
Your Cousin,
Debe
I still live in Dingess and have lived here most of my life. Vina, I know you and your brothers very well along with your baby sister. I went to school with Speedy. I am glad you found this article. I can't seem to recall Deborah though.
Than ks for comemnting on this article. I appreciate it greatly.
SirDent,
The chances are, you don't know me. I am just one of Vina's cousins. As i mentioned, the last time i was in Dingess WVA I was a teenager. I have now hit that big 50 mark. I was actually born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. My mother's family, sisters and brothers lived on Dingess mountain. I know my cousins used to laugh at me when i was there, and i was called a city slicker. Yeah, not much of a hill, mountain,wilderness,country type of person. I was a big chicken too. I was scared to death that a snake,mountain lion,bear,wolf or some thing would get me. I did have fun picking berries and sliding down the side of the mountains.
My uncle used to drive us thru the tunnel, it was great! Always nice and cool, and I could feel drops of water falling from inside the tunnel. Still SPOOKY! *laughing* Also, I did get to go to the public pool..once. Driving from Ohio always scared me, the winding curves, the bridges that I thought would fall at any time, and when it rained, oh my god, I didn't think we would make it up Dingess mountain. Then getting there, time to adjust! I am used to running water, bathrooms, gas & electric stoves, showers. You know, the city things.*laughing* But! I can honestly say this: The food was always excellent and plenty of it, the hospitality was wonderful, and never a dull moment with the family members. You "said" you went to school with speedy, oh, lucky you! *laughing* He was funny and full of laughs, and lots of energy. I loved going to the spring close to their house, the was fresh and cold! Not because they are my family, but because its the honest truth, they are the nicest people you'll ever meet with hearts of gold.
SirDent, perhaps you can fill me in on some of yours and speedys adventures.*laughing* The article is great! I know there is so much history there in West Virginia, I have read a lot of it on the internet. More than what I would have read in school no doubt. I also know those rolling hills and mountain tops hold a lot of secrets too. But nevertheless, I love information! And you are welcome!
Vina (aka: Cubby) yes I remember. I remember so much. When you got married and moved off the mountain and when we would come down I always asked about you, still hung out with your brothers though. Saw speedy at dads funeral he hadn't changed. So glad you found us here. For so many years how I have wondered about you. Yeah your baby sister and I share common names, her first is my middle and my middle is her first. Hope you understand that one. I would love to be able to call and write. Still love ya all after all the years of being lost from each other, glad god brought us back together. Please don't disappear. By the way loved your mom and dad to no end, they always took good care and protected me, miss them a lot.
Sirdent,
Chances are that we have met each other but just don't remember, it has been so many years. I was the tomboy and loved running around with speedy especially, he was just wild and fun. He tried to get me to catch frogs and break the legs off, wasn't going to have anything to do with that now. Do you know of James Dingess? Well he is my brother would love to know if he is still kicking it up. Him and I were very close, even though he wrecked and destroyed my bike. Have so much history on that mountain and love the memeories. I loved Cubby to death and hated when she got married, but was happpy for her at the same time. I just loved being around her. That being said, I would like to say thank you for what you have done here.
hey my name is Teresa Jones Bates is my married name and I am also Emma Jeans Dingees daughter,I was only 6 yrd old when she died,my grandma Vina died the same yr that my did,I love Bill Buck and sis to death,it was a shame that they passed away,I would od loved to have been there,I just visited Dingess not too long ago and spoke with Lawence it was nice seeing him,at the time I was there Dink had just passed away that is also a shame,he was to young,I would love to see all of my family,for I don't know to much about u guy's,I was to young but I do remember chasing after the chickens on the mountain at Dorthy and Keiffer's that is all i had to do I guess,I was so bored,but also loved them to death,well ok hope someone respond's to this,love Teresa
Rose, James is still kicking it up. I see him nearly every day. I am glad you found this article. We most likely did meet at one time or another, just not formally introduced. I am wondering at what age everyone left the Dingess area. I know that Vina lives on Laurel creek.
Teresa, I always try to respond to all comments. Sometimes I am not able to but most times I can.
My photo is above at the top of this page on the right side. There is also a contact link you can use to email me if you want. Write Dingess in the subject line if you do email me so I will know where the email came from.
I appreciate the traffic and comments I am getting on this article. I hope you all come back and visit.
SirDent:
Thanks for the response. I am curious, at one time I heard that the tunnel was going to be shut down and destroyed and that the graveyard above the tunnel would have to have been relocated, do you know if this was true and what saved the tunnel? The tunnel seems to bring many tourist and I wonder how they ever came to know of this tunnel. Growing up for me and going to West Virgina wasn't the same if we did not ride back and forth in the tunnel in the back of a pick up truck, I was never scared and screamed all the way through. Why do you think people are really scared of driving through the tunnel?
I heard also that it was going to be shut down, but it is still open. Riding the back of a pickup through it was really fun when I was a child also.
SirDent:
I would love to see pictures posted of the mountain as it is today and it would be great if you were to make your own video of the drive through the tunnel to give all others the chance to really experience the ride from your view. Maybe a little slower than the youtube video.
Rose I am glad you stopped by once again. I am also glad you emailed me. I replied back to you. I hope you continue to visit here also.
SirDent
I have been giving a lot of thought about the markings that were found in the strip mind. Do you know if they reserved that sight or if they kept mining? I find all the pictures and feed back really interesting. I will continue to come back and visit. You have and are doing a great job of keeping up with it. Thanks for the thoughts and memories that you and your pictures have brought to me.
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J D Murrah 3 years ago
Sir Dent,
I was not aware of those petroglyphs. I saw some up in Orkney. These are fascinating. There are some theories that Cletic peoples did make it to North America prior to Columbus. This could add some interest to that school of thought.