Archaeologists Unearth Evidence of 12,000-Year-Old Human Occupation in Louisiana Forest

Archaeologists have found evidence of human settlement as far back as 12,000 years ago in the west-central Louisiana woodlands, marking noteworthy discoveries. However, the exposure of the ancient stone tools, spearpoints, and other artifacts also increased their vulnerability to damage and theft.

This summer, excavations started at the Vernon Parish location within the Kisatchie National Forest, AP News reported. The age-old artifacts that provide light on the region's previous habitation have been painstakingly unearthed and preserved by archaeologists by sifting through the dirt with great care.

According to a media release from the US Forest Service, the site seems to have been inhabited continuously throughout prehistory, as shown by various ceramics and stone tools from numerous Native American cultural periods before European contact.

Historic Site Under Threat

After storms Laura and Delta toppled trees, upsetting and exposing some items, attempts were made to rescue and learn more about the site using disaster relief monies. The location was initially identified by surveyors in 2003.

During a June media tour, Forest Service archaeologist Matthew Helmer voiced alarm about losing the notable site eventually due to "looting and the hurricane damage." The place's historical value has mainly been preserved because of the rescue efforts.

Helmer pointed out variations in soil color and texture as they walked through previously dug regions, offering important hints for scholars examining the people who lived in the area for thousands of years.

Louisiana Public Archaeology Lab director and professor of archaeology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dr. Mark Rees, stressed this study's significance for comprehending the indigenous people's history. He said they're chronicling the history of these peoples who existed before 1492, going back more than 10,000 years.

A group of experts from the University of has been excavating the site, which spans a 100-acre region within the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, at Lafayette. The location has shown signs of ongoing human habitation by nomadic populations going back to the last Ice Age, per the institution's website.

Rewriting the History of Louisiana

As the leading investigator for a US Forest Service grant, Dr. Rees emphasized the importance of the research. The first indication of a permanent building within the national forest was discovered due to the recent excavation. The finding of post-molds-circles of dirt that have lost their color and formerly held wooden posts-indicates the existence of a sizable building.

Erlend Johnson, Project Director and Adjunct Instructor at ULL remarked on the significant discovery of "round soil stains" resulting from decayed wood, according to a report from Town Talk. He explained that Native American populations in this region constructed buildings using wood, unlike in Mexico or South America. However, considering Louisiana's conditions, they wonder how long a wood can last.

Experts believe the discovery could change how we think about local Native American history. The Kisatchie National Forest's supervisor, Lisa Lewis, emphasized her delight at the findings, which she believes "could rewrite the history books on what we know about the Native Americans in this area."