Fox Farm site (Mays Lick, Kentucky) facts for kids

The Fox Farm site is a very old village location near Mays Lick in Mason County, Kentucky. It was once home to people from the Middle Fort Ancient culture. They lived here between the years 1200 and 1400 CE. This special place is an archaeological site. This means it holds clues about how people lived long ago.

The village was built on a ridge. It was about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) south of the Licking River. It was also about 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of the Ohio River. The site covers a large area, about 10 to 16 hectares (25 to 40 acres). Archaeologists have found thick layers of ancient trash, called midden areas, up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) deep. The Fox Farm site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 9, 1983. This means it is an important historical place that should be protected.

Who Were the Fort Ancient People?

The Fort Ancient culture was a group of Native American people. They lived in the Ohio River Valley. This was during a time known as the Late Prehistoric period. They were not just one tribe. Instead, they were many groups who shared similar ways of life.

Their Daily Life

Fort Ancient people lived in settled villages. These villages were often built near rivers. Rivers provided water, food, and ways to travel. They were skilled farmers. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. These foods were very important for their diet.

They also hunted animals like deer and turkeys. They fished in the rivers. They gathered wild plants and berries. Their homes were often made of wood and thatch. Villages sometimes had palisades, which were fences made of tall posts. These fences helped protect the village.

Fort Ancient Art and Tools

The Fort Ancient people were excellent craftspeople. They made beautiful pottery. Their pots often had unique designs. They also made tools from stone, bone, and shell. These tools included arrowheads, hoes for farming, and needles.

They also created ornaments. These items were often made from shell or copper. These objects tell us a lot about their beliefs. They also show us their artistic skills.

What Do Archaeologists Do at Fox Farm?

An archaeological site is like a giant puzzle. It holds pieces of the past. Archaeologists are like detectives. They carefully dig up and study these pieces. They want to understand how people lived long ago.

Digging for Clues

At the Fox Farm site, archaeologists dig very carefully. They look for artifacts. Artifacts are objects made or used by people in the past. They might find pieces of pottery. They might also find stone tools or animal bones. Each artifact is a clue.

The midden areas at Fox Farm are very important. These are ancient trash piles. They contain things people threw away. This includes broken pottery, food scraps, and old tools. By studying these middens, archaeologists learn about their diet. They also learn about their daily activities.

Learning from the Past

Archaeologists also look at the layout of the village. They try to find where houses stood. They look for fire pits or storage pits. This helps them understand how the village was organized. It also shows how the community lived together.

The Fox Farm site helps us learn about the Fort Ancient culture. It shows us how they adapted to their environment. It also teaches us about their social structures. Every discovery helps paint a clearer picture of their lives.

Why is Fox Farm Important?

The Fox Farm site is very important for several reasons. It helps us understand the history of Kentucky. It also teaches us about the Native American people who lived there.

Protecting History

Being on the National Register of Historic Places means the site is recognized as special. It helps protect the site from damage. This ensures that future generations can also learn from it. These sites are like outdoor museums. They hold valuable information.

Connecting with the Past

Studying sites like Fox Farm helps us connect with the past. It reminds us that people have lived on this land for thousands of years. It helps us appreciate their ingenuity and resilience. It also teaches us about different cultures.

By protecting and studying places like the Fox Farm site, we keep history alive. We learn important lessons from the past. These lessons can help us understand our world today.