The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Texas Small Town On The Map
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 18, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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.
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.
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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