Archaeology Of The Little Trail Creek Site (24PA1081), Gardiner, Montana

Description

Archaeological excavations by the University of Montana (UM) at the Little Trail Creek Site (24PA1081) in the Gallatin National Forest near Gardiner, Montana, yielded burn features, as well as associated lithic, faunal, and ethnobotanical artifacts, that date to between 1,000-1,300 cal yr B.P. Twenty-four Late Prehistoric and Late Archaic projectile points support the presence of occupations spanning the transition from use of the atlatl to the bow and arrow. A deeper, Paleoindian occupation may also be present. Analysis of lithic debris from the site indicates a heavy emphasis on use of both Obsidian Cliff obsidian and Crescent Hill chert. As revealed by faunal remains, Late Archaic and Late Prehistoric site occupants of the Little Trail Creek site targeted medium and large artiodactyl species, including elk, deer, and sheep. Ethnobotanical analysis of hearth contents revealed evidence of juniper berry processing. Overall, Little Trail Creek was used on multiple occasions by Native Americans seeking resources in uplands of the Gardiner Basin, Montana, just north of Yellowstone National Park.