Levi Rock Shelter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Levi Rock Shelter
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| Location | Travis County, Texas, USA |
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| Nearest city | Briarcliff, west of Austin, Texas, USA |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000965 |
| Added to NRHP | June 21, 1971 |
The Levi Rock Shelter is a very old and important archaeological site located west of Austin, Texas. It's named after Malcolm Levi, who used to own the land where it was found. At this special place, experts have discovered tools and other items left behind by early Native Americans, known as Paleo-Indians. Some of these items are more than 10,000 years old!
Discovering the Past
The Levi Rock Shelter was found in the mid-1950s. It sits along a stream called Lick Creek. Scientists believe this site is the seventh-oldest paleolithic (meaning "Old Stone Age") site in the entire United States. This makes it a truly unique window into how people lived thousands of years ago.
What Archaeologists Found
Archaeologists are like detectives of the past. They carefully dig and study old sites to learn about ancient cultures. At the Levi Rock Shelter, they have uncovered many amazing artifacts. These include:
- Clovis points: These are special spear points made of stone, known for their unique shape. They were used by some of the earliest people in North America for hunting large animals.
- Carved bone cylinders: Pieces of bone shaped into cylinders, possibly used for tools or decoration.
- Scrapers: Tools used to clean animal hides or prepare food.
- Awls and needles: Sharp tools used for piercing materials, like making clothes from animal skins.
- Punches: Tools used for making holes.
- Incised and painted pebbles: Small stones with designs carved or painted on them, which might have had special meanings.
Many of these ancient treasures are now kept and studied at the University of Texas at Austin.
Protecting History
The Levi Rock Shelter is a very important part of history. It helps us understand the lives of the first people who lived in Texas. Because of its historical value, the shelter was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This is a special list of places that are important to the history of the United States. Being on this list helps protect the site.
However, some local groups are worried that new buildings and developments nearby could harm the site and Lick Creek. Protecting places like the Levi Rock Shelter helps us learn from the past and preserve our heritage for future generations.
