One of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries in Texas took place in one of our state's smallest towns. Located way up in the Panhandle, Fritch is home to Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. The land the monument protects has been inhabited for at least 13,000 years, and its earliest residents used the natural flint deposits to craft tools such as spear points to hunt mammoths. Today, visitors can see the quarry pits where the flint is located as well as petroglyphs and ancient ruins.
Fritch, Texas is a small town of under 2,000 with two claims to fame: the beautiful Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.
Alibates Flint Quarries was designated on August 31, 1965, making it the first national monument in Texas. The area has been populated for at least 13,000 years, however; various Native American cultures to collect the rainbow-colored flint that is prevalent in the region.
The flint is located just below the surface in small quarry pits, which were exploited largely by the Antelope Creek people of the Panhandle culture between 1200 and 1450 AD.
Today, visitors to the national monument can hike to these very quarries that were so valuable to the early humans of the Texas High Plains.
You'll be awestruck by the vast landscape full of undulating hills and rugged canyons; it seems to extend infinitely in all directions without a single sign of civilization anywhere to be found.
Keep in mind that quarry tours are offered by ranger-led hike only, and appointments must be made in advance.
This is actually a blessing, as the rangers' in-depth knowledge of the area and its fascinating history makes for a much more memorable experience.
While much of the flint is in its natural state...
...you'll also see some carved pieces that date as far back as the Clovis culture, which existed from about 11,500 to 10,800 BCE.
Native Americans created spear points and arrowheads to hunt Columbian mammoths, among other probable uses.
In addition to carved flint, the early inhabitants of the region left behind other fascinating pieces of evidence.
You should also spent a few minutes in the Visitor Center, preferably soon after arriving to the national monument.
Here, you'll find several exhibits detailing the area's history, plus a short movie and a bookstore. Ranger-led hikes and programs also begin here.
Visit the National Park Service website or Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Facebook page for more information, such as current park hours and how to book a tour.
Have you ever visited this fascinating national monument? If you know of any other archaeological discoveries in Texas that are truly awe-inspiring, tell us in the comments! And if you need ideas about what to bring with you on your trip to the monument, check out our official OIYS road trip packing list.
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