Schultz site facts for kids
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Schultz site
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| Nearest city | North Loup, Nebraska |
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| NRHP reference No. | 66000453 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | July 19, 1964 |
The Schultz site, also called the Mira Creek site, is a very important archaeological site near North Loup, Nebraska. Archaeologists also know it as 25 VY 1. This site is the biggest one from the Middle Woodland period in Nebraska. It covers a large area, about 30,000 square feet (2,787 square meters).
Scientists believe people lived here many times over a long period. It is also one of the oldest places in Nebraska where people made pottery. Because of its importance, the Schultz site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
What is the Schultz Site?
The Schultz site is found near the North Loup River, right by Mira Creek. It was once a village where people lived long ago. When archaeologists dug here, they found signs of at least nine homes and three storage pits. These pits were likely used to keep food safe.
Who Lived at the Schultz Site?
The people who lived at the Schultz site were mostly hunter-gatherers. This means they hunted animals and gathered plants for food. They hunted large animals like bison and deer. The culture of these people is known as the Valley Variant or Valley Focus. They lived in this area roughly between the years 1 CE and 500 CE. The Schultz site is considered the main example of this ancient culture.
How Was the Site Discovered?
The first digs at the Schultz site happened in the 1930s. The Nebraska State Historical Society led these efforts. Money for the work came from the Works Progress Administration, a government program. These early digs helped scientists understand the Valley Focus culture. It was the first time this specific culture was identified in the region's history.
As of 2008, the site had not been studied again since 1939. During the excavations, archaeologists found pieces of pottery. They even found parts of at least five pots that could be put back together. Many other broken pieces of pottery were also found. The pots that were rebuilt ranged from about 2.4 to 17.5 inches (6 to 44 cm) tall. They had special cord markings on them.
