Oregon Archaeologists Discover Proof of Human Occupation in the State 18,000 Years Ago

Rimrock Draw Rockshelter, near Riley in Eastern Oregon, could be an early human occupation site.Photo byWikimedia

Archaeologists from the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural and Cultural History Archaeological Field School have made a groundbreaking discovery at the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter, revealing human occupation over 18,000 years ago.

Led by archaeologist Patrick O'Grady, the team has been excavating the site since 2011 in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management(BLM).

O'Grady has a long history of serving the archaeological community of Oregon, and his research focuses on Clovis archaeological sites in the southeastern part of the state.

BLM released a statement about the findings.

Excavation efforts have yielded significant findings, including stone tools and fragments of teeth from extinct mammals like bison and camel. Notably, camel teeth fragments buried beneath volcanic ash from a Mount St. Helens eruption 15,000 years ago were discovered in 2012.

Finely crafted orange agate scrapers, one with bison blood residue, were also found in subsequent years. The objects and proof of hunting mammals tell us Oregon was occupied since 15,000 years ago.

But recent evidence reveals the date could be pushed even further.

Radiocarbon dating analysis revealed that the tooth enamel fragments date back 18,250 years before the present, making Rimrock Draw Rockshelter one of North America's oldest human occupation sites.

The presence of stone tools further supports this conclusion.

The identification of 15,000-years-old volcanic ash was a shock, then Tom’s 18,000-year old dates on the enamel, with stone tools and flakes below were even more startling- Patrick O’Grady, Archaeologist, University of Oregon

The discoveries at Rimrock Draw Rockshelter may push the boundaries of our understanding of human occupation in North America.

Heather Ulrich, BLM Oregon/Washington Archaeology lead, hailed the findings as a significant development for the archaeological community. Preserving these sites is crucial for delving deeper into our history and heritage.

This is a very exciting development for the archaeological community. Thanks to the partnership with Dr. O’Grady and the University these new dates push our archaeological knowledge of human occupation in North America even farther, perhaps the oldest yet!- Heather Ulrich, Archaeology Lead, BLM Oregon/Washington

Dr. O'Grady plans to conclude the final archaeology field school at Rimrock Draw this summer, focusing on units where additional Ice Age animal remains and artifacts will further support the previous discoveries.

Want to read the best local stories about the peopling of the Americas for free?

Sign up for the Newsbreak app using my referral link.

If you want to share local news and contribute to the Newsbreak community, sign up using my referral link.