Archaeologists Explore Kisatchie National Forest Ancient Past

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.

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Features of Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest

The State of Louisiana has but one designated National Forest, and it is none other than the Kisatchie National Forest, located just southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The history, features, and overall exploration of the forest can be read fully in the reference piece put together by LouisianaTravel.com.

The Kisatchie National Forest includes more than 600,000 acres of protected forest that allows for what locals call the “prettiest views” Louisiana has to offer as well as “endless outdoor adventures.” The National Forest itself expands across seven Louisiana parishes, making it one of the largest protected lands in the state. Because of its immense size a wide array of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing, birding, horseback riding, nature viewing, swimming, hunting, and boating  can be found at any of the over 40 recreation sites that are connected by over 100 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails.

There are five distinct Ranger Districts to be found at Kisatchie National Forest: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn, and it’s at these Ranger Districts that visitors can inquire about their specific area’s recreational activities. Kisatchie National Forest’s main headquarters can be found at the Calcasieu Ranger District. To learn more about Kisatchie in general, visit their site.

Kisatchie Camping

Campers sleeping in tents or in an RV are all welcome at Kisatchie, as each Ranger District offers a wide-array of both campground and RV camping areas. The Kisatchie Ranger District is by far the most popular due to its 10 campgrounds. Additionally, visitors find the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex to be perfect for general camping as well as having access to trails, fishing, and boating-all with a spectacular view of the sandstone hills and surrounding forest.

Kisatchie Fishing

Each Ranger District at Kisatchie National Forest has its own popular fishing area that invites all visiting anglers to hook types of catfish, bass, perch, and more. Most visitors gravitate towards the popular Corney Lake Recreation Area in the Forrest’s Caney District due to its large, 2,300-acre reservoir. Others visit the Calcasieu Ranger District’s Kincaid Lake, found in the Evangeline unit, where one can dock at the 2,600-acre reservoir’s multiple docks and boat “put-ins.”

Kisatchie Horseback Riding

Among Kisatchie National Forest’s trails are some traversed by horses, such as the Caroline Dorman Trail of 10.5 miles of forest-meandering trails. Along this trail comes a parking lot specifically designated for horse trailers. In addition to the Caroline Dorman Trail is the Gum Springs Horse Camp and its ample parking for horse trailers as well as both long and short loop trail options that will take visitors through grassy prairie sections that are interspersed throughout the forest. It is suggested that beginners or anyone wanting a guided horseback riding tour visit the Hayes E. Daze Ranch, as guides that visitors on rides ranging from one to three hours beneath a pine canopy.

Kisatchie Hiking

Kisatchie National Forest has over 100 miles of hiking trails with distances among them ranging from a half-mile to nearly 30 miles, so there’s literally something for everyone. With each trail providing a deep dive into the wilderness and natural beauty of the forest, you might have to make multiple trips if you find yourself having trouble choosing just one to traverse. It’s suggested that beginners, families, or those in search of a great view check out the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail that features a 1.5 mile loop that winds through the forest and on ridges that provide excellent vantage points of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness.

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