Big Sandy Projectile Point

This point signifies the length of time people visited Little River Canyon, though it is not the oldest object. It also signifies the mysteries the park still holds and the need for more archeological and historical studies. Only a few studies have been made, and much of the park’s resources are not studied. Little River Canyon National Preserve is a relatively new park, created in 1992.

The people making this spear point or knife was a Late Paleo Culture related to other styles of points such as Daltons. These points were used into the Early Archaic Period and are among the earliest side notched points used during the Late Paleo to Early Archaic periods. This tool exhibits reuse and re-sharpening. The serrations may imply use as a knife or saw. Further study could possibly reveal use wear on the edges, the source for the flint, trade networks, and possibly DNA of materials that were cut or stabbed with this tool.

The archeology of the park indicates that for over 10,000 years, people have visited the canyon that now contains approximately 100 rare species, with its cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows.