Mount Albion complex facts for kids
The Mount Albion complex was an ancient culture that lived in North America during the Archaic period. This time was roughly from 4050 to 3050 BC. People from the Mount Albion complex were known for a special type of stone spear point called the Mount Albion side-notched projectile.
A researcher named James Gunnerson said that the Mount Albion complex was the most well-known early Archaic culture in Colorado. It was similar to another culture called the Albion Boarding House phase.
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Discovering the Mount Albion Complex
Most of what we know about the Mount Albion complex comes from two important places: the Hungry Whistler Site and the 5BL70 site. Both of these sites are located on the slopes of Mount Albion in Boulder County, Colorado.
The Hungry Whistler Site
The Hungry Whistler Site is very high up, at about 11,500 feet (3,500 m) (or 3,505 meters). It's considered the main example, or "type site", for the Mount Albion complex. This means it's where scientists first learned about this culture.
At Hungry Whistler, ancient hunters used a clever method called a game drive system. They built stone walls to guide animals, like deer or bighorn sheep, into a specific area where they could be hunted. After the hunt, the animals were butchered (cut up) at this site. Scientists have found evidence here that dates back to different times, from about 3850 BC to 3060 BC.
The 5BL70 Site
Close to the Hungry Whistler Site, at about 11,368 feet (3,465 m) (or 3,465 meters), is the 5BL70 site. This place was used differently. It was a campsite where people lived and gathered wild plants for food. They also made stone tools here. People lived at the 5BL70 site at least twice: once around 3700 BC and again around 3400 BC.
Other Important Sites
Besides the main sites, other places in Colorado also show signs of the Mount Albion complex. These include the LoDaisKa site, Magic Mountain, Helmer Ranch in Douglas County, and Yarmony House in Eagle County. These sites help us understand how widespread this ancient culture was.
