DENT COLORADO

The **Dent Site** in Weld County, Colorado, near Milliken, is an important archaeological site. It provides evidence that humans and mammoths coexisted in the Americas during the **Clovis culture** around 11,000 years ago. This site offers a glimpse into Colorado's earliest hunter-gatherer inhabitants, known as the **Clovis people**. They left behind stone spear points and evidence of their interaction with now-extinct **Columbian mammoths**¹. Fascinating, isn't it? 😊

The Dent Site, located near Milliken, Colorado, is one of Colorado's oldest and most significant archaeological sites. It was discovered in 1932 by a railroad foreman who noticed large bones protruding from the mud near the railroad tracks. These bones turned out to be the skeletons of **ice age mammoths**. The site provided crucial evidence that humans and mammoths coexisted during the **Clovis culture**, approximately 12,000 years ago.

But the most intriguing aspect of the Dent Site wasn't just the mammoths—it was the discovery of two **Clovis spear points** nearby. These spears were used by people belonging to the Clovis culture. The mammoth bones also showed signs of butchering, indicating that mammoths were an essential part of these early people's diets.

Research at the Dent Site continued from the 1970s to the early 2000s, using techniques like radiocarbon dating. The artifacts uncovered there shed light on the diets and hunting techniques of some of North America's earliest human inhabitants and provide insights into long-extinct animal species. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science now houses the artifacts from the Dent Site, preserving this remarkable piece of Colorado's history¹⁴. 😊

Sources:

(1) The Dent Archaeological Site – Colorado Virtual Library. https://www.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/resource-sharing/state-pubs-blog/the-dent-archaeological-site/.

(2) The Dent Archaeological Site – Colorado Virtual Library. https://dev.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/resource-sharing/state-pubs-blog/the-dent-archaeological-site/.

(3) Dent Site | Colorado Encyclopedia. https://bing.com/search?q=Historical+story+about+Dent%2c+Colorado.

(4) Dent site - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dent_Site.

 Colorado boasts several significant archaeological sites that offer glimpses into ancient history. Here are some notable ones:

1. **Chimney Rock Archaeological Area**: Located between Durango and Pagosa Springs, this dramatic 1000-year-old site was home to ancestral Puebloans. The Great House, built in a Chacoan architectural style, stands out. Guided walking tours are available from May 15 to September 30¹.

2. **Mesa Verde National Park**: Famous for its well-preserved cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde was once inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans. Explore the ancient structures and learn about their fascinating history.

3. **Canyons of the Ancients National Monument**: This vast area contains thousands of archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and ancient villages. It's a treasure trove of Native American history.

4. **Dominguez and Escalante Pueblos at the Anasazi Heritage Center**: These two pueblos showcase the architecture and lifestyle of the Ancestral Puebloans. The Anasazi Heritage Center provides insights into their culture.

5. **Falls Creek Archaeological Area**: A lesser-known gem, Falls Creek features rock art, ancient campsites, and evidence of early human occupation. It's a peaceful spot for reflection.

6. **Roxborough State Park Archaeological District**: This park near Denver contains prehistoric rock art, including petroglyphs and pictographs. Take a hike and explore the fascinating markings.

7. **Curecanti National Recreation Area**: While known for its stunning landscapes, Curecanti also has archaeological sites. Keep an eye out for remnants of past human activity.

8. **Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site**: Although not as ancient as some other sites, Bent's Old Fort offers a glimpse into the 19th-century fur trade era. It's a reconstructed trading post with historical significance.

Remember to treat these sites with care—they are fragile and irreplaceable. Take only pictures and leave only footprints! 😊¹²³.

Sources:

(1) Top 10 Must See Archaeological Sites in Colorado. https://www.aroundtheworldineightyyears.com/top-10-archaeological-sites-colorado/.

(2) Archaeological Sites in Colorado | Colorado.com. https://www.colorado.com/co/attractions-entertainment/archaeological-sites.

(3) Archaeological Sites in Colorado - Colorado History | Colorado.com. https://www.colorado.com/activities/archaeological-sites.

(4) Category:Archaeological sites in Colorado - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Archaeological_sites_in_Colorado.

(5) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/645304746/photo/mesa-verde-national-park-colorado-usa.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=n6Zt3GTa_gmVi-L9nNmdv7I1FL42McqVDsnKI-H7c0g=.

(6) Getty. https://media.gettyimages.com/id/155437029/photo/curecanti-national-recreation-area-and-upper-black-canyon.jpg?b=1&s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=UTgi0yBRIac8_W8JHIWxXIxo2n9zfeJ1NzODCTNMOtQ=.