|
The Spanish Diggings is actually a Paleo-Indian quartzite quarry, dating to 10,000 years ago. Pits 30 feet deep were dug into the solid quartzite with stone tools. The area was discovered by cowboy A.A. Spaugh in 1879, who thought the Spaniards had dug for gold at the site. Some four hundred square miles of quarries, teepee rings, hearths, chipping stations, and locality markers exist in the quarries. Many significant artifacts have been recovered at the site. Scientists dated the site by the existence of slow growing lichens on the mined rocks. Caches of crude tools and the distinctive lavender and golden quartzite have been found as far away as Ohio and Indiana indicating the extensive trade and travel of prehistoric people. The quarries are located on the Patten Creek Site which is a prehistoric lithic procurement and workshop area listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
|
|
|
