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Clovis (Blackwater Draw)

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description Clovis (Blackwater Draw) Overview

Blackwater Draw is a significant archaeological site located near Clovis, New Mexico, that serves as the type-site for the Paleoindian Clovis culture. Excavations in the 1930s first uncovered distinctive fluted projectile points directly associated with the remains of Ice Age megafauna, such as mammoths and bison. These discoveries established the Clovis complex as one of the earliest well-documented human cultures in the Americas, dating to roughly 13,000 years ago. The site remains a primary reference point for archaeologists studying the peopling of the New World.

help Clovis (Blackwater Draw) FAQ

What makes the Blackwater Draw site so important to archaeologists?

Blackwater Draw is the type-site for the Paleoindian Clovis culture, providing the first definitive evidence that humans inhabited North America alongside Ice Age megafauna. Excavations in the 1930s uncovered distinctive fluted projectile points directly associated with mammoth and bison remains.

Where exactly is the Blackwater Draw archaeological site located?

The site is located near the town of Clovis in eastern New Mexico. It was originally discovered in the 1930s following observations of animal bones in a gravel pit.

What specific types of artifacts have been found at Clovis?

The site is most famous for its large, fluted stone spear points known as Clovis points. These artifacts are often found alongside the fossilized remains of extinct Pleistocene megafauna, such as Columbian mammoths and giant bison.

Can visitors actually go to Blackwater Draw today?

Yes, the site operates as a public archaeological site and museum managed by Eastern New Mexico University. Visitors can view ongoing excavations, interpretive trails, and exhibits featuring original Clovis artifacts and Ice Age fossils.

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