Woodcliff Burials facts for kids

The Woodcliff Burials are an archaeological site located near Inglewood, Nebraska, in the United States. This special place is found in the middle of farmland. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 because of its importance.

What Are the Woodcliff Burials?

The Woodcliff Burials are a site where archaeologists study the past. An archaeological site is a place where people lived or did things long ago. Scientists find clues there about how ancient people lived.

Discovering Ancient History

At Woodcliff, the main discovery is ancient burial sites. These are places where people from long ago were laid to rest. Studying these burials helps us learn about their customs. We can also understand what they believed about life and death.

Why Are These Sites Important?

Archaeological sites like Woodcliff are like giant puzzle pieces. Each piece helps us understand the full picture of human history. They show us how people lived, what tools they used, and how they interacted with their environment. Protecting these sites means protecting our shared human story.

Protecting Our Past

The Woodcliff Burials are important enough to be on a special list. This list is called the National Register of Historic Places. It helps protect important places across the United States.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is an official list. It includes buildings, sites, objects, and districts. These places are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list helps make sure these places are cared for.

How Sites Get Listed

To be added to the National Register, a site must meet certain rules. It must be old enough and have special meaning. For example, it might be linked to an important event or person. Or, it might show a unique style of building or give us clues about prehistoric life. The Woodcliff Burials fit the rules for archaeological importance.

Who Lived at Woodcliff?

The burials at Woodcliff likely belong to ancient people. These groups lived in the Great Plains region a very long time ago. They were part of what archaeologists call the Plains Woodland period.

The Plains Woodland People

The Plains Woodland period was a time in North American history. It lasted from about 1,000 BC to 1,000 AD. People during this time often lived in villages. They started to grow some of their food, like corn. They also continued to hunt and gather wild plants.

Life in Ancient Nebraska

People in the Plains Woodland period were skilled at living off the land. They made pottery for cooking and storage. They also created tools from stone, bone, and wood. Their burial practices often included placing items with the deceased. These items can tell us a lot about their culture and beliefs. The Woodcliff Burials offer a glimpse into this ancient way of life in Nebraska.