Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings facts for kids

The Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings are an important historical site in northeastern Wyoming. This special place shows us where ancient people, possibly from groups like the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Crow, once lived. It's called a "tipi ring" site because it has circles of stones that were used to hold down the edges of tipis, which were cone-shaped tents.

This site helps historians and archaeologists learn about the daily lives of people who lived in this area long ago, especially during the Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric periods. It was officially recognized and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

What are Tipi Rings?

Tipi rings are circles of stones found on the ground. These stones were used by Native American groups to hold down the bottom edges of their tipis. A tipi is a portable, cone-shaped tent made from animal hides or canvas stretched over a frame of poles. The stones kept the tipi stable, especially during strong winds. When people moved their camp, they would take the poles and hides with them, but often left the stones behind, creating these lasting circles.

Where are the Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings Located?

The Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings are found in a beautiful part of northeastern Wyoming. They are close to where two waterways meet: Caballo Creek and the Belle Fourche River. This area was likely a good spot for ancient camps because of the nearby water sources and natural resources. The site was first discovered during a survey for a coal slurry pipeline, which is a pipe used to transport coal mixed with water.

Who Lived at This Site?

Archaeologists believe that the Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings were mainly used by people from the Middle Missouri tradition. This tradition includes ancient cultures that are connected to modern-day Native American tribes like the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Crow. These groups lived in the Great Plains region and were known for their unique ways of life, including hunting, gathering, and sometimes farming.

The site was likely a temporary camp, used by these groups during different times. It was most likely occupied during the Late Prehistoric period (before Europeans arrived) or the Protohistoric period (when Native Americans first encountered Europeans). There's also a chance it was used even earlier, during the Late Archaic period.

What Can We See at the Site?

When you visit or learn about the Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings site, you can find several interesting features:

• Seven Stone Circles: These are the main tipi rings, showing where seven different tipis once stood.
• A Stone Cairn: A cairn is a pile of stones, often built as a monument or a marker. Its exact purpose at this site is still being studied.
• A Fire Hearth: This is a place where people built fires for cooking, warmth, and light. It's often marked by fire-cracked rocks.
• Scattered Stones: Besides the main features, there are other scattered stones that might have been part of other structures or activities.

Protecting History

The Basin Oil Field Tipi Rings site is very important for understanding the history of Native Americans in Wyoming. Because of its historical value, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 13, 1985. This listing helps protect the site and ensures that it can be studied and preserved for future generations to learn from. It means the site is recognized as a significant part of America's cultural heritage.