Alibates Flint Quarries

Lake Meredith Alibates Flint Quarries Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument Texas Rainbow-hued kayaks on the lakeshore Lake Meredith Hikers ascend a steep hillside at Alibates National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Alibates Visitor Center The Allure of Alibates Flint tration (WPA) uncovered the ruins of t w o structures Many shallow pits, probably dug with sticks or tools the south, or may have crossed the Bering Land Bridge now inside the monument (diagram at right). Square made from bison or other bone, mark the Alibates from Asia. The wide distribution of Alibates flint and rectangular rooms are probably living spaces; landscape. Waste piles scattered across the dry hunt the big game—bison, mammoths, and sloths— points suggests that Clovis people placed a high value round rooms are possibly for storage or burial. Other earth near the pits contain broken and discarded that roamed the Great Plains in those cooler, wetter on this stone. remains of the now-vanished Antelope Creek culture tools and flint flakes—the result of knapping, or at Alibates include petroglyphs of turtles, bison, and striking a flint core with a heavier, harder "hammer- human feet; cord-marked pottery; and thousands of stone," often a river cobble. At the end of the last Ice Age, some 13,000 years ago, Clovis culture. Its nomadic hunters possibly came from Paleo-lndians quarried flint at Alibates. From it they fashioned small, beautifully crafted spear points to times. Durable, colorful, and smooth, Alibates flint breaks in a predictable pattern when struck, and can Much later, between 1200 and 1450, a Plains Village be honed to a fine, deadly point. subgroup, known as the Antelope Creek people, must small, narrow flint arrowheads. Turquoise and shell also have recognized the beauty and utility of Alibates jewelry, pipes, and obsidian also found at Alibates In 1965 Congress proclaimed Alibates a national Points made from Alibates flint were found embedded flint. They built masonry structures close to the flint suggest that Antelope Creek people traded their monument, the only one in Texas, to preserve the in skeletons of mammoths unearthed in eastern New outcroppings along the Canadian River. In the 1930s, flint with peoples to the west and north. Mexico, near Blackwater Draw, a center of the early excavations organized by the Works Progress Adminis- Diagram of the Antelope Creek structure known to archeologists as Alibates 28 native peoples' quarries and other records. You may visit the flint quarries only by ranger-led tour; reserve in advance. COURTESY DR. CHRISTOPER LINT2 Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Seeking to determine the first transcontinental rail- Today's hunters can still harvest turkey and other road route to the Pacific, Lt. Amiel Weeks Whipple game here. The Bureau of Reclamation impounded the headed a survey of the 35th parallel in 1853. He Canadian River in 1965, creating Lake Meredith. The described the Canadian River valley in his diary: "Tur- lake's depth has fallen greatly since 1973, when it was keys congregate under the dark green foliage of scat- recorded at 101 feet, but the park remains an oasis. It tered copses . . . an agreeable contrast to the pale red is a haven for anglers, campers, hikers, and mountain that is spread over the landscape of river and plain." bike and horseback riders, as well as hunters. Texas Wildflowers Swales of brilliant, hot color briefly explode during wildflower season, from late April, then give way to muted earth tones. . A Canadian River break south '. of Lake Meredith. Willow, mes-^ ^ij.'i quite, and Cottonwood trees \ grow along the riverbanks. | Lake Meredith Alibates Flint Quarries LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm; closed most federal holidays. No entrance fee. CAMPING is free with a 14-day limit; no showers or hookups. For campground locations see map. HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, AND HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS are available. Check with a ranger for current trail status. BOATING fees are charged. All state and federal regulations apply, HUNTING is allowed in season with Texas state license. The park offers the largest public hunting lands in the Texas Panhandle. FISHING is allowed with Texas state license. Visit the park headquarters and website for more information. MORE INFORMATION Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument PO Box 1460 419 East Broadway Fritch, TX 79036 806-857-3151 , 806-857-6680 •*"»%, www.nps.gov/lamr www.nps.gov/alfl ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES NATIONAL MONUMENT REGULATIONS Federal laws protect all natural is open daily 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, and cultural features in the parks. • For firearms December 25, and January 1. You may visit the regulations see our website. quarries only by ranger-led tour. Reservations are required. Tours are one mile long with several LAKE MEREDITH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA flights of stairs (elevation gain 170 feet). Call 806- and ALIBATES FLINT QUARRIES NATIONAL 857-3151 or 806-857-6680. No entrance fee. MONUMENT are two of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks and National Park Service programs ACCESSIBILITY We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For infor- in America's communities visit www.nps.gov. mation check the park websites. EMERGENCIES CALL 9 1 1 Meet the Locals WHITE-TAILED DEER are often seen in brushy terrain, while MULE DEER prefer the Canadian River breaks and canyons as their habitat. Have Fun Safely in the Canadian River Breaks Seeking fun and excitement? Studying American Indian history? Whatever your reason for visiting, expect challenging terrain and conditions. Be prepared for extreme weather in any season. Check the local weather forecast. • Wear or bring appropriate safety and protective equipment. Know how to use it—hunting, boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or off-roading. Check the park websites for required safety equipment. • Build campfires only in designated areas; grasses will carry fire with little to no wind. Monitor campfires and make sure they are completely extinguished when you leave. Anglers Hikers Come prepared. Use good judgment. Pay attention. Your safety is your responsibility. Canoeists © LINDA SHERRILL Texas horned lizard (Texas state reptile) "GPO:2014—383-644/30348 New in 2014 Printed on recycled paper.