Sebec-Piscataquis River Confluence Prehistoric Archeological District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sebec-Piscataquis River Confluence Prehistoric Archeological District
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| Nearest city | Milo, Maine |
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| Area | 42 acres (17 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003482 |
| Added to NRHP | December 24, 1986 |
The Sebec-Piscataquis River Confluence Prehistoric Archeological District is a special place in Milo, Maine. It holds many important archaeological sites from long ago. These sites are found where the Sebec River meets the Piscataquis River.
Scientists have found layers of history here, going back over 5,000 years. Some discoveries are from as far back as 8,300 years before the Common Era (BCE). This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is a very important historical place in the United States.
What is the Sebec-Piscataquis River District?
Milo is a town in central Maine. It is about 85 miles (137 km) north of the coast. The Sebec River flows south through Milo. It then joins the Piscataquis River near the town's southern edge. The Piscataquis River flows east. It eventually meets the Penobscot River in Howland.
This area is where flat coastal lands meet the mountains to the north. Over many years, the rivers have left layers of dirt and sand. These layers have covered and protected ancient settlements.
How Were These Ancient Sites Discovered?
The first quick look at this area was in the 1920s. A famous archaeologist named Warren K. Moorehead did this early survey. Amateur archaeologists also likely studied the area in the 1930s.
In 1982, an amateur archaeologist did a small test dig. This dig showed that the ground had many layers. The deepest layer had signs of human life from around 8,300 BCE. These exciting findings led to more professional studies.
Scientists then explored the entire Piscataquis river area. They found even more ancient sites in the district.
What Did Archaeologists Find?
The sites here have many layers of soil. Between these layers, archaeologists found signs of ancient campfires. These fire pits had stones cracked by heat.
They also found old stone tools. Small pieces of animal bones and pottery were discovered too. These items tell us about the people who lived there long ago.
The Brigham Site is one of the most studied spots. It had six clear layers of human activity. The newest layer was from about 1100 CE (Common Era). The oldest was from around 8,300 BCE. Most of the animal bones found were from beavers. This suggests beavers were an important food source or resource for these ancient people.
