Folsom Site
Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE)·Folsom Paleo-Indian·🇺🇸 New Mexico, United States
About
About Folsom Site
Folsom Site in New Mexico, United States is a Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE) archaeological wonder attributed to Folsom Paleo-Indian culture. George McJunkin 1908 find; Figgins 1926–28 excavation proved Pleistocene bison with fluted points, destroying Clovis-first consensus. 33 points recovered. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.10,500 BCE kill event; purpose: Bison kill and butchery site at small paleo-pond; type site for Folsom points. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 1945 m elevation.
Why it mattersGeorge McJunkin 1908 find; Figgins 1926–28 excavation proved Pleistocene bison with fluted points, destroying Clovis-first consensus. 33 points recovered.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Folsom Site
- 02Function and labor organization for archaeological-wonder – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Folsom Paleo-Indian
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.10,500 BCE kill event
- Period
- Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE)
- Culture
- Folsom Paleo-Indian
- Builders
- Folsom hunters
- Purpose
- Bison kill and butchery site at small paleo-pond; type site for Folsom points
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.10,500 BCE kill event
Initial construction / first occupation
c.500 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
36.8478° N · 103.9175° W · 1945 m · 3 mapped features
Folsom Site — Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Folsom Site – structure (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE)) – George McJunkin 1908 find; Figgins 1926–28 excavation proved
36.8488° N · 103.9165° WFolsom Site — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Folsom Site – complex (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE)) – George McJunkin 1908 find; Figgins 1926–28 excavation proved
36.8466° N · 103.9183° WFolsom Site — Outlier Feature
rock artOutlier Feature at Folsom Site – rock_art (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,800 – 10,200 BCE)) – George McJunkin 1908 find; Figgins 1926–28 excavation proved
36.8498° N · 103.9160° W