While walking along the north side of Lake Carl Etling at Black Mesa State Park, I came across something unexpected—a man-made stone structure built into the rock face. At first glance, it appeared to be a small shelter or storage area constructed by carefully stacking flat stones. Curious about its origins, I decided to dig deeper into what this mysterious structure could be.
After returning to my campsite, I did some research online, hoping to find information about this intriguing find. Surprisingly, I found nothing. No articles, no photos, no mention of it anywhere. Determined to learn more, I planned to explore the area again the following day (Sept. 03, 2024) in hopes of finding a trail that would lead me directly to the structure.
The next day, I located several trails near the spot where I had first seen the structure, but none of them led me directly to it. However, I did come across a sign that mentioned “Sheepherder Walls” scattered throughout Black Mesa State Park. According to the sign, these historic structures were built by sheep herders who once grazed their animals in the area. This gave me a clue that the structure I had seen might be connected to these walls.
After searching around the area above where the structure was located, I finally found a way down to it. As I got closer, I noticed a small sign indicating that this was indeed a “Sheepherder Hut.” The sign explained that these huts were used by sheep herders as shelters during their time in the rugged terrain of Black Mesa.
What struck me as odd was the lack of information or photos of this structure online. Despite its historical significance, it seems to have been largely overlooked. I’m glad I managed to photograph it from the lake shore because getting a good shot from where the structure was located would have been nearly impossible due to the challenging terrain. Perhaps that’s why there are no photos of it online—it’s simply too difficult to access and capture.
This hidden piece of history is a reminder of the people who once lived and worked in this remote area, leaving behind these quiet, stone markers of their lives. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stumble upon it and document it, adding a small piece to the puzzle of Black Mesa’s rich past.
Note: Gary Walton sent an email with a link that may contain relevant information (The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture). I wrote a summary:
Sheep herding in the Oklahoma Panhandle was a significant part of the region’s history, particularly during the late 1800s and early 1900s. As ranchers moved into the area, they brought large flocks of sheep to graze on the vast open grasslands. The sheep herders, often living in remote and rugged areas, built simple stone structures like the Sheepherder Hut found at Black Mesa State Park to shelter from the elements. Conflicts sometimes arose between sheep and cattle ranchers over grazing rights, but sheep herding continued to be an essential industry in the region’s development.
Interesting! Nice find!