Folsom Site

Folsom Site is an archaeological location in Colfax County, New Mexico, where researchers excavated remains of extinct bison and stone hunting tools from ancient times. The ground near Wild Horse Arroyo holds multiple excavation areas with evidence of early human activity preserved across its terrain.

A local worker named George McJunkin discovered the site in 1908 when a flood exposed large bones that caught his attention. Systematic excavations began years later, revealing evidence that changed how scholars understood early human settlement across North America.

The site reveals how early hunters lived and worked in this region, and what they left behind tells us about their daily lives and survival skills. Visitors can understand how these ancient people adapted to the landscape and hunted large animals.

The location lies west of Folsom, New Mexico, and visitors can access the area with basic preparation and suitable weather conditions. Many finds are displayed in museums, particularly at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where you can see the objects up close.

The finds here show that hunters killed bison and used specialized tools that appeared across North America at the same time. This was among the first solid scientific proof that people lived on the continent during the Ice Age.

Location: Colfax County

GPS coordinates: 36.88170,-104.07100

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:45