Heavener, Oklahoma Runestone
Posted by: 
Roamineye
N 34° 54.043 W 094° 34.630
15S E 355900 N 3863167
A large slab of rock which bears rune carvings believed to have been made by Norse explorers around 750 C.E.
Waymark Code: WMGPB
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 07/07/2006
Views: 67
The Heavener Runestone is a 12x10-foot slab of rock which bears eight carved runes.
The stone was noted by Choctaw Indians prior to the early 1800's, but the carvings weren't recognized as Norse runes until the 1920's. Many interpretations of the runes have been made over the years, but the most recent research indicates the runes are G-L-O-M-E-D-A-L, which means "Glome's Valley," thought to be a land claim.
On display in the building that houses the Heavener Runestone are copies of other runestones which were found nearby. The Poteau runes are believed to represent a memorial to the same explorer - "Magic or protection to Gloie." The Shawnee runestone bears the name "MEDOK" and may have been a gravestone. Two more runestones found near Poteau don't have enough characters for a translation.
It's thought these Norsemen came to this area around 750 C.E. by rounding Florida and sailing in the the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi River, then following that river to the Arkansas River, then the Poteau River.
The runestone is located within Heavener Runestone State Park, just two and a half miles northeast of the town of Heavener, Oklahoma, off Highway 59 and US Highway 270. The 50 acre park offers picnic areas, campsites, a playground, a nice nature trail, and a gift shop.
The park is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m., 7 days a week (In Season), and 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week (Off Season).
There is no charge to use the picnic area or to view the Runestone.
Note: the Runestone is located inside a building in a small valley a short distance from the parking area. The trail is paved, but it is uneven in places and includes many stairs, so be ready for a short hike.
Type of Pictograph: Rune
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