Duncan Island (36LA60,61) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Duncan Island (36LA60,61)
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | In the Susquehanna River, Martic Township, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 19 acres (7.7 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003428 |
| Added to NRHP | May 10, 1984 |
Duncan Island (36LA60,61) is a special place in the Susquehanna River near Martic Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It's known as a prehistoric archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists have found old objects and clues about people who lived there a very long time ago.
Scientists studied Duncan Island in the 1950s and again in the 1970s. They found many interesting things, like tools and other items. These items tell us about the people who lived on the island thousands of years ago.
Contents
What Makes Duncan Island Special?
Duncan Island is important because of the ancient objects found there. These objects date back to a time called the Archaic period. This period lasted from about 8,000 BC to 1,000 AD. That's a huge span of time!
The items found help us understand how early people lived. They show us what tools they used, what they ate, and how they survived. It's like finding pieces of a giant puzzle about the past.
The Archaic Period Explained
The Archaic period was a time when people in North America were mostly hunter-gatherers. This means they moved around to find food. They hunted animals like deer and gathered plants, nuts, and berries.
During this time, people started to make better tools. They used stone to create spear points, knives, and scrapers. These tools helped them hunt, prepare food, and make shelters. The artifacts from Duncan Island give us a peek into this ancient way of life.
Why Do Archaeologists Study Islands?
Islands like Duncan Island are often great places for archaeologists to study. They can be like time capsules. Sometimes, old settlements on islands are less disturbed by modern building or farming. This means the ancient remains are better preserved.
Studying islands also helps us learn about how people used rivers. Rivers were like ancient highways. They provided water, food, and ways to travel. Duncan Island's location in the Susquehanna River made it an important spot for early communities.
Protecting Our History
Duncan Island was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to our history. Being on this list helps protect the island. It makes sure that this special archaeological site can be studied and preserved for future generations.
Protecting places like Duncan Island helps us learn about where we come from. It teaches us about the lives of people who lived long before us. It also helps us understand how human societies have changed over thousands of years.
