Artifact Sites Near Denver Colorado
Here's a detailed history of some notable ancient artifacts found in or near Denver, Colorado:
Prehistoric Era (before 1500 AD)
- Lindenmeier Site Artifacts (circa 11200 - 10000 BCE)
- Location: Approximately 100 miles north of Denver, near Fort Collins, CO (but relevant to the broader region)
- Significance: The Lindenmeier Site is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most important Paleoindian sites in North America. Excavations uncovered over 40,000 artifacts, including:
- Folsom points (distinctive stone spear tips)
- Other stone tools (e.g., knives, scrapers)
- Evidence of early human presence in the Americas
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science's (DMNS) Paleoindian Collection
- Location: Denver, CO (artifacts found in various locations within the region)
- Notable Artifacts:
- Yuma Points (circa 6000 - 4000 BCE): Several examples of these Paleoindian spear points are housed at the DMNS.
- Clovis Point (circa 13000 - 12000 BCE): Although not exclusively found in Denver, the DMNS has a Clovis point in its collection, highlighting the region's early human habitation.
Ancestral Native American Era (circa 1500 BCE - 1500 CE)
- Apishapa River Valley Petroglyphs (circa 1000 BCE - 1500 CE)
- Location: Approximately 200 miles southeast of Denver, near Fowler, CO
- Significance: These petroglyphs, while not in Denver proper, are relevant to the surrounding region. The site features over 200 rock carvings, including:
- Geometric shapes
- Animal depictions (e.g., bighorn sheep, deer)
- Human figures
- Cherry Creek Site (circa 500 - 1500 CE)
- Location: Confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, Denver, CO
- Significance: Archaeological excavations in the 1980s uncovered evidence of an Ancestral Native American settlement, including:
- Ceramic shards
- Stone tools (e.g., arrowheads, knives)
- Food waste (e.g., animal bones, plant remains)
Notable Collections and Exhibits in Denver
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS)
- Ancestral Peoples exhibit: Showcases the region's Native American history, with artifacts from various time periods.
- Paleoindian collection: Features artifacts from the Lindenmeier Site and other regional discoveries.
- History Colorado Center
- Ancient Voices exhibit: Explores the lives of Colorado's earliest inhabitants, with a focus on the state's Native American heritage.
Important Notes and Limitations
- Many ancient artifacts found in the Denver area are not on public display due to preservation concerns, cultural sensitivities, or storage in research collections.
- Some sites and artifacts may be located on private property or protected areas, restricting public access.
- This list is not exhaustive, as new discoveries are continually being made, and some artifacts might not be widely published or recognized.
To delve deeper into the history and significance of these artifacts, consider visiting the mentioned museums or consulting with local archaeological organizations, such as:
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS)
- History Colorado Center
- Colorado Archaeological Society
- University of Denver's Department of Anthropology (with a focus on archaeology)
