Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Minnesota Woman
Photographed By Liz Koele, December 22, 2021
1. Minnesota Woman Marker
Minnesota woman - the skeleton of a girl about fifteen years of age - - was discovered at this point in 1932 by a highway repair crew. Although the skeleton has not been dated exactly, based on the site geology scientists believe it to be perhaps 10,000 years old. This would make Minnesota Woman one of America’s oldest human skeletons.
Two artifacts - - a dagger of elk horn and a conch shell - - were discovered with the bones. Archaeologists believe that the girl drown in Glacial Lake Pelican, which adjoined Glacial Lake Agassiz, a huge body of water that covered much of northwestern Minnesota at the end of the last ice age.
Erected 1992 by Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 46° 36.536′ N, 96° 3.176′ W. Marker is in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, in Otter Tail County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 59, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the "Minnesota Woman Roadside Parking Area.". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pelican Rapids MN 56572, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies.
this page online
Photographed By Liz Koele, December 22, 2021
2. Minnesota Woman Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2022, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2022, by Liz Koele of St. Paul, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
