03/09/2012
Blue Spring Heritage Center Celebrates Arkansas Archaeology Month
Visit us on March 31st to help celebrate Arkansas Archaeology Month. Blue Spring will host Aaron Wagoman, a local flintknapper from Bentonville Arkansas in the Bluff Shelter from 11:00 until 2:00pm.
Aaron will be demonstrating the art of chipping flint rock into arrowheads and prehistoric tools just as the paleoindians who once inhabited the bluff shelter.
In 1971, the University of Arkansas conducted an archeological dig of the bluff shelter next to Blue Spring. They found prehistoric artifacts, shellfish and the bones of deer, turtle and other fauna. Some date back as far as 10,000 years. They also uncovered fire pits, and evidence of life such as small arrow points and Woodward Plain pottery, confirming the presence of American Indians as late as 1700 A.D.
For thousands of years, American Indian elders have told stories of visits to Blue Spring and the important ceremonies held in the bluff shelter that served not only as a refuge, but also a sacred place for ritual.
The bluff shelter at Blue Spring is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Blue Spring is the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas, pumping 38 million gallons of pure water into the White River daily. Walk the Trail of Tears. Allow yourself to connect with the natural beauty that surrounds Blue Spring.
Admission will be free for this event and Carroll County Residents are always free. Blue Spring is located 5 ½ miles west of Eureka Springs on Highway 62. Call 479-253-9244 for more information.
