Red Ochre and Clovis - Wyoming's Cultural Geology Guide

When considering the Hartville Uplift, one may not realize how the area’s geologic resources have significantly contributed to our cultural past. Nearly 13,000 years ago, Paleo-Indians mined red ochre or hematite at what is now considered by archaeologists as one of the oldest mining sites in all of North America!
Recently discovered at the historic Sunrise Iron Mine, near Hartville, Wyo, red ochre was used as a pigment and has also been recorded at prehistoric burial sites around the world. Archaeologists excavating the ancient mine at the Sunrise location have also discovered Clovis points (some of beautiful blue agate-type material) and other Paleo-Indian artifacts (ranging in age from 11,000 to 13,000 years old). Hear more about these discoveries from world-renowned Paleo-Indian archaeologist, Dr. George Frison.