| Meadowcroft Rockshelter |
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| CATEGORIES ABOUT MEADOWCROFT ROCKSHELTER | |
| native american history | |
| archaeological sites in pennsylvania | |
| history of pennsylvania | |
| registered historic places in pennsylvania | |
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Meadowcroft Rockshelter is an Archaeological Site located near Avella in Washington County , in southwestern Pennsylvania , United States . A Rock Shelter in a bluff overlooking Cross Creek (a tributary of the Ohio River ), Meadowcroft Rockshelter is located about 36 miles west-southwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . The site was excavated from 1973 until 1978 by a University Of Pittsburgh team led by James M. Adovasio. Radiocarbon Dates from the site indicated occupancy as early as 16,000 years ago and possibly as long as 19,000 years ago. These Dates have been challenged as being too old because of possible coal contamination. Although the dates are still controversial, many archeologists agree that Meadowcroft was used by Native Americans in the pre- Clovis era, and as such, provides evidence for very early human habitation of the Americas . In fact, if the 19,000 years ago dating is correct, Meadowcroft Rockshelter is the oldest known Native American cultural site. Meadowcroft Rockshelter has yielded Woodland , Archaic and Paleoindian remains, indicating evidence of the processing of animals, such as deer, elk, bird eggs, and mussels; as well as plants such as corn, squash, fruits, nuts and seeds. The site also has yielded many tools, including Ceramics , Bifaces , biface fragments, Lamellar Blades , a Lanceolate projectile point and chipping debris. At least one basin-shaped hearth was reused over time. It was given the name ''Meadowcroft'' from the nearby Meadowcroft Village historical park. Although sometimes referred to as "Meadowcroft Rock Shelter", the more accepted and popular term is "Meadowcroft Rockshelter". REFERENCES
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