Marmes Rockshelter

The Marmes Rockshelter sits where the Snake and Palouse Rivers meet, holding layers of deposits with preserved organic materials from ancient settlements. The site now lies underwater beneath Lake Herbert G. West following the construction of the Lower Monumental Dam in 1969.

Excavations in 1962 revealed human remains dating back about 10,000 years, making this one of the earliest known human settlements in North America. This discovery shifted understanding about how long people had inhabited the region.

The site contains shells, beads, spear points, and stone tools showing the advanced craftsmanship and trade connections of early Native American groups. These objects reveal how people worked with their hands and traded across regions.

The rockshelter is not directly accessible today as it lies beneath the reservoir. Information about the archaeological findings can be viewed at local museums and visitor centers in the area.

Among the discoveries was a Jefferson Peace Medal, possibly distributed during the Lewis and Clark Expedition to local Native American leaders. This rare object links the ancient settlement to early American exploration history.