Bonfire Shelter, Archaeological site near Langtry, Texas, US
Bonfire Shelter is a natural rock overhang formed within a limestone cliff, containing layered deposits of bones and human artifacts from different time periods. The rock formation creates a sheltered space where ancient hunters left evidence of their occupation spanning thousands of years.
The shelter contains evidence of prehistoric bison hunting with the oldest layers dating back roughly 12,000 years. These remains rank among the earliest documented records of large-scale organized hunting in North America.
The site reveals hunting practices of early people through preserved stone tools and weapon points discovered during excavations. These artifacts show how hunting groups organized and carried out their work at this location.
Access to the site requires joining guided tours arranged through the nearby state park and advance registration is necessary. Visitors should be prepared for varied terrain and bring suitable hiking equipment for the walk.
The site contains three distinct bone layers that record different hunting methods, including coordinated efforts to drive animals over the cliff edge. These separate layers reveal how hunting techniques changed and evolved over thousands of years.
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