Gardiner Pond Shell Midden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gardiner Pond Shell Midden
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| Location | Middletown, Rhode Island |
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| NRHP reference No. | 85000718 |
| Added to NRHP | April 12, 1985 |
The Gardiner Pond Shell Midden (also known as RI-101W) is a very old archaeological site. It is located in Middletown, Rhode Island. This site helps us learn about people who lived there long before written history. It was named after George Gardiner, an early settler in the area.
Contents
What is a Shell Midden?
A shell midden is like an ancient trash pile. It is made mostly of discarded shells from seafood that people ate. These middens can also contain tools, pottery, and other items. Scientists study them to understand how ancient people lived.
Discoveries at Gardiner Pond
At the Gardiner Pond Shell Midden, archaeologists have found many interesting things. These finds show that people lived here during the Middle and Late Woodland Periods. This was a time many hundreds of years ago.
Tools and Daily Life
The items found at the site include tools used for farming. There were hoes and other planting tools. Scientists also found stone mortars and pestles. These were used to grind plants or food. This tells us that the people living here grew their own food. They also gathered food from the land and sea.
Location and Importance
The Gardiner Pond Shell Midden is located on the land of the Norman Bird Sanctuary. This helps protect the site. It is a special place for learning about Rhode Island's past.
A Protected Historic Site
Because of its importance, the Gardiner Pond Shell Midden was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it is recognized as a valuable historical site. It is protected so future generations can also learn from it.
