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Agency

Journal of Texas Archeology and History

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21112/ita.2019.1.47

Abstract

Palo Duro Canyon has been an important locale for human occupation with its distinct topography, fauna, and flora from the Paleoindian inhabitants to those of the Historic Period. There is archeological evidence of human habitation at Palo Duro Canyon throughout the past 12 millennia. Native Americans who lived in and around the canyon had access to resources not easily found on the adjoining upland plains. The canyon provided an abundance of sheltered camping and year-round supply to water, wood, stone tool materials, game, and wild plant resources. The bordering uplands, covered with grass and dotted with playa lakes, afforded campsites with good visibility and access to game such as bison, antelope, and waterfowl. This article reviews the history of archaeological work conducted at Palo Duro Canyon State Park since the park opened in 1934. It examines how evolving site recording standards, archaeological methods, and construction projects have influenced the types of archaeological investigations that have been conducted within the park over time. These investigations have occurred within the context of larger changes to the discipline and, more recently, expansions to the original park boundaries. Together, they help elucidate on the rich history of human occupation in the region.

Licensing Statement

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The Journal of Texas Archeology and History.org is an organization dedicated to furthering research, education and public outreach in the fields of archeology and history concerning Texas and its bordering states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Northern Mexico; a region we call the “Texas Borderlands.” The J.T.A.H. is collaborating with the Index of Texas Archaeology and S.F.A.S.U. to distribute their publication library to the general public via free and open-access channels. Visit www.JTAH.org to submit an article.

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