Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Archaeological site in Jefferson Township, Pennsylvania, US
Meadowcroft Rockshelter is an archaeological site in Jefferson Township beneath a sandstone ledge along the north bank of Cross Creek. An enclosed viewing platform allows visitors to observe the excavation zones and the intact soil layers beneath the rock overhang.
Systematic excavations began in 1973 and uncovered traces of human presence far earlier than the known Clovis cultures. These findings changed the understanding of how the American continent was settled and sparked ongoing debate among researchers.
The overhang served as shelter for successive generations who recognized the natural protection it offered from weather and predators. This repeated use over millennia demonstrates how early inhabitants selected and returned to naturally advantageous locations without altering them significantly.
The visit takes place from a covered platform that provides direct views of the exposed excavation zones. Access is straightforward for most visitors, and interpretive panels explain the visible layers and artifacts.
Deeper soil layers preserve organic materials like plant fibers and charcoal that normally disappear at archaeological sites. This preservation allows for more precise dating and insights into the daily life of past inhabitants.
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