Wyoming Has A New National Historic Landmark And You Need To Visit
The list of National Historic Landmarks in Wyoming has a new addition. The U.S. Federal Government recently designated the Hell Gap Paleoindian Site as the newest National Historic Landmark in Wyoming, bringing the total to 27. This site has had a huge impact on North American archaeology.
Deep in a valley 13 miles north of Guernsey, you will find the most amazing site. An abundant amount of Paleoindian and Archaic artifacts have been found here.
This site is filled with history that dates back 15,000 years and spans through 9 different cultures. The site was discovered in 1959 by 2 archaeologists who were students at the University of Wyoming.
The first artifacts found here by the 2 students were several unusual spear points. Since then, stone tools, animal bones, bone tools, hearths and living structures have been unearthed.
The living structures are some of the oldest found in the country. The findings here have shed a lot of light on the Paleoindian social and cultural components.
Hell Gap is known for its cutting edge research in the field of Paleoindian archaeology. Hell Gap has filled in a lot of the missing pieces when it comes to life on the Plains 13,000 and 8,500 years ago.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places that stand out because of their ability to interpret history. Hell Gap Paleoindian Site definitely fits the bill. There's still a lot of research to be done at this historical landmark.
It’s important to learn as much as we can from the past because that knowledge is the key to the future.
Check out this video by YouTube user, geostarbrand.
For other landmarks in the Cowboy State, check out 10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Wyoming .
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