George B. Stevenson Dam flood protection project in Sinnemahoning State Park |
The primary forest vegetation during the prehistoric period was dominated by hemlock, beech, sugar maple, and white pine. Fruits, berries and edible tubers supplemented a diet of deer, elk, bear and small mammals. These resources would have been sufficient to support hunting and gathering subsistence patterns of the Paleoindian period (16,000-10,000 years ago) thru the Early Woodland period (4,300-2,100 years ago). Archaeological sites recorded in the Pennsylvania Site Survey (PASS) files containing diagnostic artifacts linked to these early periods are limited in Cameron County, but there is the potential for additional sites to exist in these narrow floodplains should further ground disturbance projects occur.
George P. Wallace's Indian Paths of Pennsylvania |
The headwaters of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River flow through Cameron County and this land was controlled at the time of European contact by the Seneca. The Sinnemahoning Path served as a transportation route from Lock Haven up the West Branch and into the Sinnemahoning Creek. From here, the path went over the Allegheny Portage providing access between the Susquehanna and Ohio River drainages. The Seneca had established a few villages in the region, using the area for both the footpath and hunting expeditions. In 1784 the land which would later become Cameron County was purchased from the Iroquois by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Early settlers were comprised chiefly of farmers, but again the area was slow to settle. The first grist mill was erected in 1811 as well as an early sawmill. These mills led the way for further expansion of industry and drew additional settlers.
Cameron County Court House |
In 1860 Cameron County was officially established and was named after Simon Cameron, the First Secretary of War under Abraham Lincoln. Steam powered sawmills and the lumber produced by them, supplied markets in eastern Pennsylvania along with commercial centers in New York, Baltimore and New Orleans. By the early 20th century extensive logging had destroyed much of the original forest cover and led to the decline of the lumber industry. The lack of lumber also prevented tanneries from operating as they relied on the hemlock bark for tannin used in tanning.
A local collector of artifacts shared these with archaeologists and recorded the location where he had recovered them. |
Netsinkers used by Native peoples to hold down fishing nets in the Sinnemahoning. |
Archaeological investigations have been conducted in a few areas of Cameron County, but little in the form of tangible evidence has been recovered. A few local collectors have shared their artifacts with archaeologists which aids in locating and recording sites. The range of artifacts recorded includes projectile points, scrapers, net sinkers and stone tools. The lack of physical evidence of past cultures is not surprising given the low population density. Cameron County was and is truly “the Pennsylvania Wilds” and was considered “wild” by Native American groups as well. It likely served as a good place for hunting, but not an area for long term settlement.
Steep mountains and narrow river valleys in the PA Wilds of Cambria County |
We hope you have enjoyed this trip up north and will take an interest in recording and preserving the archaeological sites in your community. These resources are Pennsylvania’s heritage and for all of us it is our window into the past. Help us to protect and preserve these archaeological resources which are crucial to our understanding of the past.
Image Credits
Courthouse-http://www.cameroncountypa.com/
Stevenson Dam- http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00M/00MsoS-39039684.jpg
Autumn scene- http://photos.pennlive.com/photogallery/2010/10/cameron_county_pa_wilds.html
For more information, visit PAarchaeology.state.pa.us or the Hall of Anthropology and Archaeology at The State Museum of Pennsylvania .
Here is our most interesting archaeological feature.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sizervillain/6130511426/
Carved in solid rock over looking a local stream. It contains images of both a goat (or ram) and an owl intermingled. A rock ledge protects it and the sun only shines directly on it certain times of the year. It is above the line of sight of anyone walking along the creek and not noticeable unless you know it is there. There is a list of icongraphic symbols in the carving. It is believed to be late 17th Century European in origin.