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Show Canyonlands Arch Named For Late Area Geologist HANKSVILLE -Canyonlands National Park Superintendent Robert Kerr has announced the naming of a park feature in honor of Dr. Dean Brlmhall, who passed away in 1972 and was a well known Utah archeologist and a resident of Capitol Reef National Park in Wayne County. Dr. Brimhall carried out archeological investigations in and around Canyonlands over many years. Newly named Brimhall Point, on the western side of the park, overlooks the site ofone of Dr. Brimhall's most significant discoveries. Narrow twisting canyons are common in Canyonlands National Park but in the western portion of the park lies a complex of canyons that is called the "Maze." Within that area. Dr. Brimhall discovered a panel of pictographic art of beauty and exceptional archeological interest. The canyon wall has painted on it many life size "ghost like" figures, animals, plants and other designs. The existence of this outstanding prehistoric rock art was an important factor in the decision to add the Maze and surrounding area to the national park in 1972. The added lands extended the park a considerable distance to the west, resulting in the formation of a district of the park. Brimhall Point was proposed by Canyonlands Superintendent Bates E. Wilson to commerate and honor Dr. Brimhall and his many years of hard work exploring the canyon country and studying its archeological riches. More recently, the proposed name was approved by the United States Board of Geographic Names which must pass on the merits of all changes in official maps. Future editions of maps of the Maze will include Brimhall Point. Brimhall was also honored several years ago by having a double arch in Capitol Reef National Park named in his honor. This arch is located south of Big Thompson Mesa in the Waterpocket Fold area of the park. |