Split Rock Prehistoric Site facts for kids

The Split Rock Archeological Site is a very special place in Fremont County, Wyoming. It's located near the Sweetwater River on old river banks, called terraces. This site is important because it holds clues about Native American people who lived there a very long time ago.

Scientists have found many ancient items at Split Rock. These items tell us about the "Early Plains Archaic Period." This was a time when people lived by hunting and gathering food. The site was officially recognized as a historic place on May 4, 1987.

What is the Split Rock Site?

The Split Rock Archeological Site is like a giant outdoor museum. It covers about 50 acres of land. This area has different levels of ground, which archaeologists call "terraces." These terraces were formed by the Sweetwater River over thousands of years.

Discovering Ancient Life

In 1984, scientists started digging at the Split Rock site. This kind of digging is called an "excavation." They were looking for signs of ancient human life. What they found was amazing! They uncovered many "artifacts." Artifacts are objects made or used by people in the past.

Tools and Homes

The archaeologists found tools, weapons, and other items. These objects were left behind by Native American groups. They lived in this area during the Early Plains Archaic Period. This period was from about 8,000 to 3,000 years ago.

The scientists also found "housepit features." These are the remains of old homes that were partly dug into the ground. Finding these housepits helps us understand how people lived and built their homes so long ago. It shows us how they used the land and what their daily lives might have been like.

Why is the Site Important?

The Split Rock Archeological Site is very important for several reasons. First, it helps us learn about the history of Native Americans in Wyoming. The artifacts found here give us clues about their culture, their tools, and how they survived.

Second, the site helps us understand the "Early Plains Archaic Period." This was a key time when people in the Great Plains region were adapting to their environment. They were developing new ways to hunt, gather food, and build shelters.

Finally, the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized by the United States government as a place worth protecting. It's important to preserve these sites so future generations can also learn from them.