Bar Lake Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bar Lake Site
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alger County, Michigan |
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| MPS | Woodland Period Archaeological Sites of the Indian River and Fishdam River Basins MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000366 |
| Added to NRHP | June 27, 2014 |
The Bar Lake Site, also known by its special code 20AR437, is a very important place in Alger County, Michigan. It's an archaeological site, which means it's a spot where scientists called archaeologists dig up and study things left behind by people from long ago.
This site helps us learn about people who lived here during a time called the Woodland period. It's located right next to the Indian River, about 40 feet from the water. It's also not far from another old site called the Widewaters Site, about 1 kilometer away. The area around Bar Lake Site used to have lots of wild rice, which was an important food source for ancient people.
What is the Woodland Period?
The Woodland period was a long time ago, roughly from 1000 BC to 1000 AD. During this time, people in North America started to live in more settled communities. They began to grow some of their own food, like corn and squash, but they still hunted and gathered wild plants.
Life in Ancient Michigan
People during the Woodland period in Michigan were skilled at using the resources around them. They made pottery to store food and water. They also created tools from stone, bone, and wood for hunting, fishing, and preparing meals.
They often lived near rivers and lakes, just like the Bar Lake Site is near the Indian River. These waterways provided fish, transportation, and fresh water. The wild rice found near the site would have been a valuable food source.
Why is the Bar Lake Site Important?
The Bar Lake Site is important because it gives us clues about how people lived thousands of years ago. By studying the objects found here, archaeologists can understand their daily lives, their tools, and how they used the land.
In 2014, the Bar Lake Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are considered very important to our country's history. Being on this list helps protect the site and makes sure it can be studied for many years to come.
