Independence Rock has been protected and preserved through the efforts of many people and organizations, although some earlier preservation and memorial practices left permanent scars on the National Historic Landmark. Plaques placed on the rock to memorialize events or people damaged its surface, and today nine broke legends bolted to the igneous summit remain as testimony to what people of the immediate past believed was important about their history. Public knowledge of the site’s importance fostered a preservation ethic, and gatherings and celebrations there over the years, including Independence Day commemorations, Masonic Lodge celebrations, and a National Boy Scout Jamboree, helped build awareness. As part of the United States bicentennial celebration, Wyoming established Independence Rock State Historic Site and gave administrative responsibility to the Wyoming Recreation Commission. To retain the undisturbed atmosphere around the rock, development was kept to a minimum, and a fence around the area of the historic inscriptions reduces contemporary damage. Hundreds of thousands of people stopped there to rest, meet, and picnic, and the area continues to serve that same purpose as Independence Rock State Historic Site while allowing visitors to enjoy the landmark’s beauty and refresh themselves.