Mesa Site

Mesa Site https://www.blm.gov/programs/cultural-heritage-and-paleontology/archaeology/what-we-manage/alaska/mesa-site Lying atop a mesa-like rock outcrop, the location of the site is nothing less than breathtaking. From 200 feet up, ancient hunters had a 360-degree vantage point for spotting game such as bison and, possibly, mammoths. Until the site was discovered, archaeologists generally accounted for the early cultures in the lower 48 as the products of a single migration out of Asia. But the distinctiveness of the stone points found here — and at the Putu site 160 miles to the east — indicate that perhaps there were several migrations (Mesa artifacts range in date from 9,700 to 11,700 years old). Early Alaska may have been occupied by different cultures who spoke different languages, and had distinct ways of making tools.

Other Types of Artifacts Help Us Preserve and Protect the Past! Also found at the Mesa Site are various large stones from the nearby creek that were used as hammers or anvils. Other stones were brought in from greater distances, and their use at the site is unknown. These include 11 quartz crystals not otherwise found naturally nearby. We can only speculate that they might have had some type of religious or other cultural use. All archaeological sites of Alaska are important for the scientific information they contain about our state’s fascinating past. If you see historic or archaeological remains, please don’t disturb them. Enjoy looking at them and taking photographs, but leave them intact for future generations. If possible, please report their location to the nearest state or federal land manager. With your help, we can protect Alaska’s past for the future! Other Cultures at the Mesa Site During the first few years of excavation, only Paleoindian style artifacts like those described above were found at the mesa. This led to the presumption that only the ancient Paleoindians had used the site. But later, in a few locations away from the Paleoindian activity areas, very different styles of artifacts were found. These were made by a much more recent cultural group that briefly utilized the site about 3,500 years ago. These people based their stone tool industry around small stone flakes, called “microblades,” which they inserted into wooden or bone handles and shafts for use as cutting and piercing implements. These microblades, flaked off of specially prepared rock cores, also may have been used for engraving and other special culturally distinct purposes. Microbladebased cultures were common throughout northern and interior Alaska during this time. While Paleoindians occupied the North Slope, a microblade-producing culture closely related to those in Siberia was present in interior Alaska, primarily in the Nenana and Tanana valleys. It is unknown if the Mesa people and the Nenana people with apparently different cultures were closely related to each other. There is no evidence how (or if) they may have interacted. Equally unresolved are whether they dressed alike, shared similar beliefs, or spoke the same language. Future archaeological discoveries may help answer such mysteries. Mesa Site Ancient Hunting Lookout Northern Alaska Mesa Site biface tool over 11,700 years old. Learn More About It For further information about the Mesa Site, including a downloadable 82-page report entitled “The Mesa Site: Paleoindians above the Arctic Circle,” by Michael Kunz, Michael Bever, and Constance Adkins (originally published April 2003 as BLM Alaska Open File Report 86) visit: http://www.blm.gov/alaska/archaeology/mesa-site For printed copies of Mesa Site information contact: Fairbanks District Office 222 University Ave. Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 907-474-2200 Cover photo: Excavator working at the Mesa archaeological site in the Central Arctic Management Area Wilderness Study Area. Mesa archaeological site. U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management BLM/AK/Gl-04/010+8100+930 REV 2020 The Mesa Site Importance and Location The Mesa Site is a scientifically important ancient archaeological site located on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management on the northern edge of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska. The site lies on a ridge nearly 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 160 miles from the nearest road. Between roughly 11,700 and 13,600 years ago, hunters used this site, located atop a mesa-like ridge, as a lookout to spot game. What they left behind, including distinctive stone tools and the remnants of ancient campfires, is among the oldest evidence of human presence in the Western Hemisphere. From discoveries made at the Mesa Site, archaeologists have learned how some of the very first Alaskans lived. Intriguing Connections Elsewhere Many of the stone tools found at the Mesa Site are of the same style and type as those found in the ancient Paleoindian sites on the North American High Plains. Artifacts from those sites suggest an economy based primarily on hunting Ice Age big game animals. Finding artifacts like these in Alaska has very important implications. It suggests that the “Mesa Paleoindian people” also may have relied on late Ice Age animals, including now extinct bison, mammoth, and horse. It also suggests a close cultural relationship between inhabitants of these two diverse geographic regions. Exactly what such a relationship might mean is a fascinating mystery tied to when and how the first people came into the Western Hemisphere. How Was the Mesa Site Found? The Mesa Site was discovered in 1978 by archaeologists working for the Bureau of Land Management. They were looking for remains of past human use of the foothills region of the North Slope in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, so that such places could be protected during future oil and gas exploration acti

T R E A D Tread Lightly Welcome ravel and recreate with minimum impact. Welcome to the public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. The BLM manages more than 70 million acres of public land in Alaska. These lands are yours to enjoy and use for a variety of recreational opportunities. Your visit to BLM-managed public lands in Alaska will offer you a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring the treeless tundra, or fishing in a freshwater stream, you’ll experience the open landscapes of BLM-managed public lands. Unless otherwise posted, all public lands are available for recreation use. However, please remember that BLM manages public lands for other uses, such as energy and mineral development, wildlife habitat, and conserving natural, cultural, and historic resources. This publication will give you a general idea of where recreation opportunities exist on public lands in Alaska. Please note the location of the BLM offices throughout the state. BLM staff are happy to assist you while you are enjoying Alaska’s public lands. espect the environment and the rights of others. ducate yourself, plan and prepare before you go. llow for future use of the outdoors by leaving it better than you found it. iscover the rewards of responsible recreation. https://treadlightly.org/ Leave No Trace We encourage visitors to adhere to the seven Leave No Trace principles on all BLM-managed public lands. • Plan Ahead and Prepare • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Dispose of Waste Properly • Leave What You Find • Minimize Campfire Impacts • Respect Wildlife • Be Considerate of Other Visitors Trail Etiquette Map Campground Name # of Sites # Season of Use Vault Toilet Water Fee 13 Arctic Circle 22 June - Sept. Y N Y* 32 Brushkana Creek 21 June - Sept. Y Y Y 25 Cripple Creek 21 June - Sept. Y Y Y 47 Eagle 16 June - Sept. Y N Y 16 Five Mile 8 June - Sept. Y Y Y** 4 Galbraith Lake 18 June - Sept. Y N Y** 8 Marion Creek 27 June - Sept. Y Y Y 24 Mount Prindle 13 June - Sept. Y Y Y 22 Ophir Creek 19 June - Sept. Y Y Y 38 Paxson 50 June - Sept. Y Y Y 52 Salmon Lake 6 June - Sept. Y N N 39 Sourdough Creek 42 June - Sept. Y Y Y 36 Tangle Lakes 27 June - Sept. Y Y Y 45 Walker Fork 20 June - Sept. Y Y Y 42 West Fork 25 June - Sept. Y N Y Y = service available N = service not available * Beginning summer 2022 Windy Arch, near Windy Gap in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Safety Public Access BLM Alaska’s lands are vast and rugged. Remember to plan your trip accordingly by ensuring you have first aid supplies, emergency vehicle supplies, and adequate provisions before heading out. When planning a backcountry trip, always file a trip plan with a friend or family member and let them know when you plan to return. BLM Alaska managed public lands are intermingled with private, state, Tribal, and a variety of other jurisdictions. A visitor may legally access public lands via: • A public trail, road, or highway; • A navigable water; • From adjacent public or state lands that are from landowner; or via a valid 17b public easement. Information on 17b easements and maps can be found at https://www.blm.gov/ alaska/17b-easements; Trail Etiquette invasive species. • Slow down for curves and hills, when visibility is limited and when other users are present. • Keep noise and dust down. • Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Whether travelling far off the beaten path or along the road, thorough preparation is imperative for a successful trip. Alaska is bear country. Store your food and other scent attractants in an enclosed vehicle or bearproof food storage container, and never store your food in an occupied tent. When travelling in bear country, remember to make noise, travel in groups, carry bear spray, and keep your dog on a leash. • Be familiar with local rules. • Leave gates in the condition you found them. Rights of Way BLM visitors are responsible for knowing their location and applicable regulations. Appropriate public land users remain on legal routes, obey all signs, respect private property, and avoid resource damage. The best way to ensure a successful outing is to check with the nearest BLM office for up-to-date access information in your area. Your local BLM office can also supply you with recreation permits and information on specific recreation opportunities, such as camping, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, off-highway vehicle travel and snowmobiling. For more information, go to www.blm.gov/media/public-room/alaska. Also, be sure to check the State Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Safety page https://dot.alaska.gov/highwaysafety before travelling. • Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill. • Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers