Buckner site facts for kids

The Buckner Site (15BB12) is a special place where archaeologists found clues about ancient people. It was once home to people of the Fort Ancient culture, who lived there between 1200 and 1400 CE. This important archaeological site is located in Bourbon County, Kentucky, near a stream called Strodes Creek.

Archaeologists found two big, round village areas at the site. Each village had an open space, like a town square, in its middle. There were also smaller areas used for special purposes nearby. People first dug here in the 1930s. A famous archaeologist named William S. Webb led the work. They were trying to save historical information during a tough time called the Great Depression. Because it's so important, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 27, 1983. This means it's a special place worth protecting!

Discovering the Past at Buckner Site

The Buckner Site is like a giant puzzle that archaeologists are still putting together. When they explored the area, they found evidence of how people lived many centuries ago.

Village Life and Layout

The most exciting discoveries at Buckner were the two large village areas. These villages were shaped like circles, which was a common design for Fort Ancient communities. In the center of each circular village was an open space called a plaza. This plaza was probably used for many things, like gatherings, ceremonies, or games.

Besides the main village areas, archaeologists also found smaller spots to the north and northeast. These "special use areas" might have been places where people made tools, prepared food, or held specific activities.

Who Were the Fort Ancient People?

The people who lived at the Buckner Site belonged to the Fort Ancient culture. This group of Native Americans lived in the Ohio River Valley region, including parts of Kentucky, from about 1000 CE to 1750 CE. The Buckner Site specifically shows signs of the Middle Fort Ancient period, which was between 1200 and 1400 CE.

Fort Ancient people were farmers who grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants. They lived in villages, often near rivers, and built sturdy homes. Their culture is known for its unique pottery, tools, and earthworks.

Digging Up History: The 1930s Excavations

The first major archaeological work at the Buckner Site happened in the 1930s. This was during the Great Depression, a time when many people were out of work. The excavations were part of "salvage archaeology" efforts. This means archaeologists quickly dug up and studied sites that might be destroyed by new construction or other changes.

The work was led by William S. Webb, a well-known archaeologist from the University of Kentucky. His team carefully uncovered parts of the site, learning about the village layout and the lives of the people who once lived there. Their findings helped us understand more about the Fort Ancient culture in Kentucky.