Paisley Five Mile Point Caves, Oregon - Earliest humans in North America?

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In summary, a network of caves in rural Oregon has been identified as the potential oldest site of human habitation in the Americas. Oregon officials have stated that this discovery suggests that an ancient human population reached the United States at the end of the last Ice Age. As a result, the Paisley Five Mile Point Caves have been added to the list of nationally important archaeological and historical sites by the U.S. National Park Service. This information is based on reports from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, as well as sources such as Reuters, the University of Oregon, and Wikipedia. While previous theories suggested that the oldest remains would be found in Alaska, evidence from the Solutrean hypothesis, pre-Clovis sites, and the Topper
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PORTLAND Ore. (Reuters) - A network of caves in rural Oregon may be the oldest site of human habitation in the Americas, suggesting an ancient human population reached what is now the United States at the end of the last Ice Age, Oregon officials said on Friday.

That realization prompted the U.S. National Park service to add the Paisley Five Mile Point Caves to its list of nationally important archaeological and historical sites, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said in a statement.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/03/us-usa-caves-oregon-idUSKCN0HS21020141003

http://pages.uoregon.edu/ftrock/paisley_caves_description.php [Broken]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_Caves
 
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Wouldn't the oldest remains likely be somewhere in Alaska where natives came down from?
 
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The Solutrean hypothesis, pre-Clovis evidence and the Topper site in Allendale, SC suggest otherwise.

A sponsor of the Topper dig is an acquaintance and her personal photographer is a close friend.
 

1. What is the significance of the Paisley Five Mile Point Caves?

The Paisley Five Mile Point Caves in Oregon are significant because they contain some of the earliest evidence of human presence in North America, dating back over 14,000 years ago. This challenges the traditional theory that humans first entered North America via the Bering land bridge around 13,000 years ago.

2. How were the caves discovered?

The caves were discovered in 1938 by a local rancher named Luther Cressman. While exploring the area, he found several obsidian projectile points and realized they were crafted by humans. He then excavated the caves and found more evidence of human occupation, such as tools and animal bones.

3. What evidence supports the theory of human presence in the caves?

Aside from the artifacts found in the caves, there is also geological evidence that supports the presence of humans in the area. The caves were formed by a series of volcanic eruptions, and layers of ash and sediment have been found above and below the human artifacts. This indicates that humans were present before and after these volcanic events.

4. How did the earliest humans in North America survive in the caves?

It is believed that the earliest humans in North America used the caves as temporary shelters while hunting and gathering. The caves provided protection from the elements and a source of fresh water from the nearby lake. The inhabitants also likely hunted animals such as bison, deer, and small game for food.

5. What challenges have scientists faced in studying the Paisley Five Mile Point Caves?

One of the main challenges scientists have faced is the limited amount of artifacts and evidence found in the caves. Due to the remote location and the nature of the caves, only a small portion of the site has been excavated. Additionally, the caves have been subjected to natural erosion and looting over the years, making it difficult to accurately determine the timeline of human occupation.

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