Lindenmeier Site
Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE)·Folsom·🇺🇸 Colorado, United States
About
About Lindenmeier Site
Lindenmeier Site in Colorado, United States is a Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE) ancient village attributed to Folsom culture. Roberts/Cotter Smithsonian excavation 1934–40: largest Folsom campsite, 8,000 artifacts, camel/bison kill, Folsom morphology type site for Folsom complex. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.10,600 BCE; purpose: Extensive Folsom bison kill, workshop and camp on Lindenmeier Valley. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 1900 m elevation.
Why it mattersRoberts/Cotter Smithsonian excavation 1934–40: largest Folsom campsite, 8,000 artifacts, camel/bison kill, Folsom morphology type site for Folsom complex.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Lindenmeier Site
- 02Function and labor organization for ancient-village – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Folsom
- 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.10,600 BCE
- Period
- Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE)
- Culture
- Folsom
- Purpose
- Extensive Folsom bison kill, workshop and camp on Lindenmeier Valley
- Excavation
- Excavated
c.10,600 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.500 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
40.9799° N · 105.0623° W · 1900 m · 3 mapped features
Lindenmeier Site — Principal Monument
longhousePrincipal Monument at Lindenmeier Site – longhouse (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE)) – Roberts/Cotter Smithsonian excavation 1934–40: largest Folso
40.9809° N · 105.0613° WLindenmeier Site — Ancillary Complex
middenAncillary Complex at Lindenmeier Site – midden (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE)) – Roberts/Cotter Smithsonian excavation 1934–40: largest Folso
40.9787° N · 105.0631° WLindenmeier Site — Outlier Feature
reservoirOutlier Feature at Lindenmeier Site – reservoir (Folsom Paleo-Indian (10,600 – 10,200 BCE)) – Roberts/Cotter Smithsonian excavation 1934–40: largest Folso
40.9819° N · 105.0608° W