Journey 16,000 Years into the Past at Meadowcroft Rockshelter
A journey 16,000 years into the past begins just an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a national historic landmark recognized as the oldest site of human habitation in North America, showing evidence of the earliest settlers to our region 16,000 years ago.
Located near the small town of Avella in Washington County, the historic site is about 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a part of the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institute.
The rockshelter itself consists of a large rock overhang perched 40 feet above Cross Creek. It was used for centuries as a campsite by prehistoric small-game hunters and gatherers who lived nomadic lives. The rockshelter offered a good place to camp for a few days or weeks. The rocks soaked up the sun and maintained heat. Enough space was available at the rockshelter for a campsite. But the land wasn’t ideal for crops, making it a good stop-over point, but not a permanent home.
Albert Miller, a farmer, stumbled upon the archaeological treasure in 1955 when he noticed a groundhog hole on his family’s farm. The hole led to a prehistoric flint knife. He called in a team of archeologists who carefully researched the site in the 1970s, unearthing layer after layer and progressively finding older artifacts. Their findings included wooden tools, corn cob fragments, a spear point, firepits, shells, baskets, and early stone tools. Archaeologists determined the age of the rockshelter based upon sediments at the site.
In recognition of its historical significance, the rockshelter was named in a Smithsonian Magazine article as one of the best places to see evidence of the first Americans.
About one-third of the site has been left undisturbed for future investigation.
A large pavilion has been built at the rockshelter, providing an close-up look at the archaeological research site. A detailed video and knowledgeable tour guides are available at the site.
Other attractions at Meadowcroft include a re-creation of a historic village, which chronicles life between the 1500s and late 1800s in the southwestern Pennsylvania region.
The “1570s Monongahela Indian Village” includes wigwams, a hunting camp, animal pelts, a garden, and a chance to try the atlatl, a spearthrower used by prehistoric hunters.
The “1770s Frontier” chronicles life for Native Americans after contact with Europeans, featuring a trading post display and a cabin. The exhibit provides insight into how European influences made an economic impact in America.
Also on site: A covered bridge, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and museum featuring carriages, farm implements, barns, and harness racing.
Meadowcroft is open throughout the summer and regularly offers historic weekends, insider tours, and other activities.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a national historic landmark recognized as the oldest site of human habitation in North America, showing evidence of the earliest settlers to our region 16,000 years ago.
Located near the small town of Avella in Washington County, the historic site is about 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village is a part of the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institute.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter History
The rockshelter itself consists of a large rock overhang perched 40 feet above Cross Creek. It was used for centuries as a campsite by prehistoric small-game hunters and gatherers who lived nomadic lives. The rockshelter offered a good place to camp for a few days or weeks. The rocks soaked up the sun and maintained heat. Enough space was available at the rockshelter for a campsite. But the land wasn’t ideal for crops, making it a good stop-over point, but not a permanent home.
Albert Miller, a farmer, stumbled upon the archaeological treasure in 1955 when he noticed a groundhog hole on his family’s farm. The hole led to a prehistoric flint knife. He called in a team of archeologists who carefully researched the site in the 1970s, unearthing layer after layer and progressively finding older artifacts. Their findings included wooden tools, corn cob fragments, a spear point, firepits, shells, baskets, and early stone tools. Archaeologists determined the age of the rockshelter based upon sediments at the site.
Viewing the Site
In recognition of its historical significance, the rockshelter was named in a Smithsonian Magazine article as one of the best places to see evidence of the first Americans.
About one-third of the site has been left undisturbed for future investigation.
A large pavilion has been built at the rockshelter, providing an close-up look at the archaeological research site. A detailed video and knowledgeable tour guides are available at the site.
Historic Village
Other attractions at Meadowcroft include a re-creation of a historic village, which chronicles life between the 1500s and late 1800s in the southwestern Pennsylvania region.
The “1570s Monongahela Indian Village” includes wigwams, a hunting camp, animal pelts, a garden, and a chance to try the atlatl, a spearthrower used by prehistoric hunters.
The “1770s Frontier” chronicles life for Native Americans after contact with Europeans, featuring a trading post display and a cabin. The exhibit provides insight into how European influences made an economic impact in America.
Other Attractions
Also on site: A covered bridge, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and museum featuring carriages, farm implements, barns, and harness racing.
Meadowcroft is open throughout the summer and regularly offers historic weekends, insider tours, and other activities.
Tips for your visit
A few tips for your visit: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunscreen, and be aware that there are stairs to climb to the rockshelter. Also, bring a camera document the rural vistas, charming countryside atmosphere, and the important history 16,000 years in the making.
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