Inside Kisatchie National Forest lies a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, revealing the rich history of Native Americans in Western Louisiana. The archaeological site, dating back to the end of the last Ice Age approximately 10-12,000 years ago, has recently been hailed as one of the oldest and largest prehistoric sites in the region, according to this article from the Shreveport Times. Led by archaeologists from the Kisatchie National Forest and the Public Archaeology Laboratory at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL), the excavation has the potential to reshape our understanding of Native American cultures in the area.

The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. Lisa Lewis, Forest Supervisor of Kisatchie National Forest,believes that these findings could rewrite the history books and provide invaluable insights into the lives of the Native Americans who once thrived in this region. Previously, the renowned Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Northeastern Louisiana, dating back to around 1500 B.C., held the distinction of being the oldest site in the area. However, this newly uncovered site predates Poverty Point by thousands of years, suggesting the existence of even larger, permanent Native American settlements in Western Louisiana.

To unravel the mysteries of the past, Kisatchie National Forest joined forces with ULL to conduct a comprehensive field school at the site. Approximately 10-15 students and a dedicated team of researchers from ULL and LSU were enlisted to assist in the excavation efforts. Among the passionate team was Gray Tarry, a ULL graduate and a technician for the Field School, who expressed his excitement about the project. Tarry described the thrill of uncovering artifacts that had not been touched by human hands for centuries, emphasizing the profound connection one can feel with the people of the past through their ancient tools and technologies.

While the discovery of artifacts is undoubtedly exhilarating, the researchers acknowledge the importance of understanding their context within the site. Mark Rees, Director of the Louisiana Public Archaeology Laboratory andProfessor of Anthropological Archaeology at ULL, explained that the goal extends beyond the mere collection of artifacts. He emphasized the significance of discovering artifacts within their precise locations and deciphering their associations with other items and cultural features. By piecing together this intricate puzzle, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient Native American societies that once thrived on this land.

One of the primary research questions guiding the excavation is whether the site served as a short-term hunting camp or a permanent settlement. Helmer emphasized the need to analyze the collected material and determine its age to answer this question definitively. However, initial findings suggest that various groups of people inhabited the site over an extended period. While it may have initially functioned as a hunting camp, evidence points to the possibility of its transformation into a permanent hamlet or village—a significant revelation considering its distance from major river valley systems where Native American villages are typically found.

The true extent of this remarkable archaeological site has only recently come to light. While knowledge of its existence dates back to 2003, it was not until Hurricane Laura devastated the area in 2020 that funding was secured for large-scale excavation. With professional archaeologists at the helm, the salvage excavation has provided an unprecedented opportunity to unearth the secrets of the past.

As the excavation continues, archaeologists and researchers eagerly anticipate the revelations that lie hidden beneath the soil of Kisatchie National Forest. By carefully studying the artifacts, structures, and environmental remains, they hope to construct a vivid picture of the Native American civilizations that once called Western Louisiana home. The findings from this site may not only rewrite the history books but also deepen our understanding of the diverse cultures that shaped the ancient landscapes of Louisiana.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.