the oldest human occupation of meadowcroft rockshelter occurred 16,000 years ago.
the oldest human occupation of meadowcroft rockshelter occurred 16,000 years ago.
when did the oldest human occupation of meadowcroft rockshelter occur?
16,000 years ago
radiocarbon dating of the site indicated occupancy beginning 16,000 years ago and possibly as early as 19,000 years ago. however, the dates are still controversial. a recent survey carried out by the society for american archaeology reported support from 38% of archaeologists, with 20% rejecting the early dates. criticism of these early radiocarbon dates has focused on the potential for contamination by ancient carbon from coal-bearing strata in the watershed. the samples, tested by an independent third party geomorphologist, concluded that the samples showed no evidence of groundwater activity. tests performed via accelerator mass spectrometry also support the earlier dates. if authentic, these dates would indicate that meadowcroft was used in the pre-clovis era and, as such, provides evidence for very early human habitation of the americas. meadowcroft rockshelter may be the oldest known site of human habitation in north america, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric hunters and gatherers. paleoindian, archaic, and woodland remains have all been found at the site.
meadowcroft rockshelter
meadowcroft rockshelter









































meadowcroft rockshelter is an archaeological site located near avella in jefferson township, washington county, pennsylvania, united states. the site is a rock shelter in a bluff overlooking cross creek (a tributary of the ohio river), and contains evidence that the area may have been continually inhabited for more than 19,000 years. if accurately dated, the site would be the earliest known evidence of human presence and the longest sequence of continuous human occupation in the new world.
meadowcroft rockshelter