Jamestown Archeological District facts for kids

The Jamestown Archeological District is a very important place in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It is also known as the Great Creek Archeological District. This large area holds the remains of a major settlement from ancient Native American times.

Scientists are still finding out how big this district truly is. We know it stretches from Narragansett Avenue in the south to Rhode Island Route 138 in the north. It also goes from Narragansett Bay in the west to North Road. This district includes one of the largest Native American burying grounds in New England. It shows that people lived here as far back as 3,000 BC.

What is an Archeological District?

An archeological district is a special area where scientists study the past. These scientists are called archeologists. They dig carefully to find old tools, pottery, and other items. These items tell us about how people lived long ago.

The Jamestown Archeological District is important because it has many clues. These clues help us understand the history of Native Americans in this region. It is like a giant outdoor museum.

A Glimpse into the Past

Imagine people living here thousands of years ago. The Jamestown Archeological District shows us that Native Americans made this area their home. They lived here for a very long time.

Archeologists have found evidence of their lives. This includes tools they used for hunting and farming. They also find pieces of pottery and other everyday items. These discoveries help us learn about their culture and daily routines.

Ancient Life in Jamestown

Life in ancient Jamestown was likely connected to the land and water. The people probably fished in Narragansett Bay. They also hunted animals and gathered plants for food. The area's natural resources made it a good place to settle.

The district also contains a large Native American burying ground. This site is very important for understanding their beliefs and traditions. It shows how they honored their ancestors.

Protecting This Historic Site

The Jamestown Archeological District is a protected area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it is recognized as a place of great historical value.

Protecting this district helps save important information for future generations. It makes sure that archeologists can continue to study the past. It also helps us remember the people who lived here long before us.

Overlapping Historic Areas

This archeological district is special because it overlaps with other historic places. It includes parts of the Windmill Hill Historic District. It also covers nearly 300-acre (120 ha) of the Watson Farm. This means the area has many layers of history.

By protecting these areas, we learn about different times. We can see how the land has been used over thousands of years. It helps us connect the past with the present.