Nearly every year, Preservation Oklahoma
highlights archeological sites statewide on its list of Endangered Historic
Places. Archeological sites are a
special preservation challenge, in that the attention and the physical work of
rehabilitation needed for most historic sites is the opposite of what these
delicate sites need. This year, we call
special attention to Paleoindian sites.
Paleoindian Sites
(Representing Archeological Sites Statewide):
Paleoindian
sites represent the remains of the oldest well-documented inhabitants of North
America (ca. 14,000 -9,000 years ago).
The Clovis, Folsom, Plainview, and Dalton cultures represent some of the
better known of these Paleoindian societies.
Small nomadic groups of these cultures resided in Oklahoma, hunting what
are now extinct species such as mammoth, camels, and giant bison as well as,
undoubtedly, collecting edible wild plants.
Best known for their finely crafted spearpoints, Paleondians also used a
variety of chipped stone and bone tools in their hunting practices. Because of the small size of their groups,
their highly nomadic lifestyle, and the depth of time that has passed since
they occupied what is now Oklahoma, Paleoindian sites leave a very fragile and
sometimes ephemeral presence on the landscape.
These factors make them very susceptible to loss from natural forces
(erosion) and cultural practices (from agriculture to oil and gas wells). Because of their value in providing glimpses
into the lives of these ancient Americans, any loss of these sites is viewed as
a serious threat.
