Cactus Hill

Cactus Hill is an archaeological area along the Nottoway River in Sussex County where different layers of former settlements have been uncovered. These deposits hold traces of human activity from various periods, stacked in orderly sequence.

Excavations yielded tools and objects reaching back more than 18,000 years, making them among the oldest human traces in North America. Wood samples from deep layers were dated to between 18,200 and 22,000 years old.

The site preserves stone tools and quartzite blades that show early Native American craftsmanship. These objects offer insight into handwork techniques passed down over millennia.

The area is supervised by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and is only open to the public through special educational programs. Visitors should check in advance whether guided tours or other events are offered.

The early dates have sparked discussions about the settlement history of the Americas, as they predate many comparable sites. Radiocarbon analyses confirm human presence at a time when large parts of the continent were still covered by ice.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 36.98800,-77.32100

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29