Samuelson's Rocks The Legend Chiseled in Stone

Written by a local historian and park volunteer, this book tells the story of Samuelson's Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park.

John Samuelson, a Swedish immigrant, had a unique view of his newfound home, America. Inspired by his feelings of mortality, religion, current affairs, politics, nature, and seclusion, John Samuelson chiseled his outlook on life into hard stone in the latter half of the 1920s.

America was experiencing significant cultural and social change during this period. John Samuelson had a message to share in each of his inscriptions. In all, he created 8 inscriptions on 7 rocks. However, this is only a small part of his story. The best of John Samuelson's life story was yet to come. His legend is chiseled in stone!