10,000 Years of Occupation
For at least 10,000 years, the area where Medicine Lodge Creek flows out of the Bighorn Mountains has provided a home for humans.
Discovering Ancient Cultures
In 1968, the University of Wyoming began an eight-year archaeological study at Medicine Lodge. Teams of archaeologists excavated trenches along the cliff face. Evidence of ancient cultures unfolded as stone tools, projectile points, fire pits, bones, ceramics, and other artifacts were uncovered.
Food, Water, and Shelter Everything prehistoric people needed to survive is located at or near this site. Fruits, berries, and greens and roots from plants and trees provide food, medicine, firewood, material for tools and shelters. The abundant wildlife in the area, from wood rats to bison, was also an important part of their diet.
60 cultural levels were discovered dating back to the Paleoindian, Archaic, and Late Prehistoric Periods-10,000 to around 150 years ago.
[Captions:]
The oldest cultural evidence was discovered at a depth of about 23 feet.
Several fire pits were discovered during the excavation.
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Paleoindian period points (10,000-8,000 years old)
Archaic period points (8,000-1,500 years old)
Late prehistoric period points (1,500-150 years old)
Erected by Wyoming State Parks & Cultural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 44° 17.89′ N, 107° 32.537′ W. Marker is near Hyattville, Wyoming, in Big Horn County. Marker is on Dry Medicine Lodge Creek, 0.1 miles north of County Road 52, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hyattville WY 82428, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Rock Art (a few steps from this marker).
Also see . . . Medicine Lodge Archeological Site. (Submitted on December 23, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2020, by Connor Olson of Kewaskum, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
