Military personnel on Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico recently stumbled upon a significant archaeological find, unearthing the remains of a prehistoric campsite that may have been inhabited by early Americans approximately 8,200 years ago.
Located near a road cut on the base, about 160 miles southeast of Albuquerque, the discovery was made by members of the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) along with a team of geologists. Named Gomolak Overlook, the site provided a glimpse into the activities of “Paleo-Archaic” peoples who likely used it as a seasonal encampment. These ancient inhabitants were among the earliest settlers in the Americas and were known for their cultivation of plants, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
The excavation yielded a variety of artifacts, including fragments of prehistoric stone tools and remnants of hearths where fires were lit, presumably for cooking and warmth. Notably, the discovery of mesquite charcoal among the remains sheds light on the resources utilized by these ancient peoples, as mesquite is native to semi-arid regions like the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Matthew Cuba, the cultural resource manager of the 49th CES, emphasized the significance of the find, stating that it represents a pivotal moment in understanding the history of the area and its early inhabitants. He noted that the site had been inadvertently buried by the formation of white sand dunes from nearby White Sands National Park, which helped preserve the delicate archaeological remains over thousands of years.
This discovery adds to the growing body of archaeological evidence within the boundaries of Holloman Air Force Base, with over 400 such findings reported to date. The broader Tularosa Basin region, spanning approximately 6,500 square miles in southwestern New Mexico, is known for its rich archaeological heritage, boasting some of the oldest sites in the Americas. Excavations in the area over the past decade have uncovered artifacts dating back over 11,000 years, providing valuable insights into the early human occupation of the region.
