--- title: "Groundbreaking Discovery Made in Interior Alaska" url: https://newscentral.site/groundbreaking-discovery-made-in-interior-alaska/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-16T20:54:58.000Z updated: 2026-10-17T09:42:24.787Z id: 4b902a69-2662-42b9-971e-bf86d191b284 source: "Live Science https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/americas/archaeologists-discover-the-oldest-dwelling-in-the-western-hemisphere-at-a-13-800-year-old-site-in-alaska" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/groundbreaking-discovery-made-in-interior-alaska/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Groundbreaking Discovery Made in Interior Alaska A 13,800-year-old archaeological site in interior Alaska has yielded a treasure trove of artifacts and fossils. Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in interior Alaska, uncovering a 13,800-year-old site that is yielding a treasure trove of artifacts and fossils. Among the finds are what may be the earliest domesticated dogs in the Americas, as well as evidence of the first needles and dwellings in the Western Hemisphere. The site, called Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ, is located about 34 miles southeast of Fairbanks and has been excavated by archaeologists from the University of Kansas. This area was once part of the Bering Land Bridge, which connected northeast Asia and northwest North America during the last ice age. The discovery at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ is significant because it sheds light on the lives of some of the first people to settle in North America. The site appears to be an encampment that was used by these early settlers for a millennium, with thousands of artifacts and fossils discovered so far. The earliest people to inhabit the Western Hemisphere are thought to have entered the continent around 21,000 years ago. However, much is still unknown about their lives and culture due to the scattered nature of Beringian sites, which often consist of small seasonal hunting camps. Archaeologists studying the site have been surprised by the extent of the finds, with tens of thousands of artifacts uncovered so far. "I had no idea that we'd stumble into a base camp with tens of thousands of artifacts," said Kelly Graf, first author of the study, in an email. Further excavation and analysis are needed to fully understand the significance of Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ and its place in human history. The site is expected to provide valuable insights into the lives of early settlers in North America and their connections with other cultures across the Bering Land Bridge. The earliest occupation at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ in Alaska is believed to date back around 13,800 years ago, providing evidence that people were settling into their new territory during this time period. Archaeologists have uncovered several key features at the site, including a hearth and a small pit that likely held a wooden post. A dirt stain near the pit suggests that it may have been part of an early tent house or lean-to structure. These findings indicate that the earliest inhabitants of Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ had already begun to adapt their living arrangements to their new environment. The researchers also discovered a range of artifacts, including stone tools, bone needles, and a pendant made from antler. In addition to these items, an earth oven was found nearby, which contained charcoal and animal bones. This suggests that the inhabitants of Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ were likely cooking meat over low heat for large family groups. The discovery of stone tools at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ has been particularly significant, as they are distinctively shaped and unique to central Alaska. Known as diamond-shaped hafted bifaces, these tools were crafted from rhyolite and basalt, similar to those found in Beringia, a region that includes modern-day northern Siberia. Obsidian artifacts discovered at the site reveal that people brought volcanic rock from hundreds of miles away to use for making tools. This suggests that the inhabitants of Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ had established trade networks or were highly mobile, able to travel long distances in search of resources. The discovery of Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ has shed new light on the relationship between ancient human populations in Alaska and those in Asia. A closer examination of wolf-like animal bones found at the site reveals a connection to central Alaska that is distinct from other known species such as dire wolves or gray wolves. Research suggests that these unique wolf-like animals may have been the ancestors of early domesticated dogs in North America, which are believed to have originated from Siberian wolves. This theory is supported by genetic evidence and provides further insight into the origins of early canine populations in the Western Hemisphere. The study also reveals connections between Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ and other early Alaskan sites as well as those farther south, beyond the Canadian ice sheets. This suggests that the inhabitants of these regions were in contact with one another, potentially through trade or migration. One key piece of evidence supporting this theory is the discovery of bone needle fragments at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ. These needles are not only the oldest found in the Western Hemisphere but also demonstrate a connection between the site and Paleoindian sites to the south. The pendant discovered at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ is a notable find, crafted from antler and featuring a hole drilled at one end and a pointed shape at the other. This type of personal adornment item is similar to those found in North America farther south. The presence of these cultural features at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ highlights the strong connection between early Beringians and Americans, as noted by the researchers. The accumulation of these features at a single site underscores their significance in understanding the peopling of the Americas. It remains unclear whether the people at Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ were traveling to establish connections with other groups or if they were resident there for an extended period. However, Graf suggests that even without definitive proof of movement, it is clear that these early inhabitants shared cultural ties. Future excavations in Beringia may shed more light on the lives and movements of early people in the Americas. Alaska's vast terrain and remote location have limited the number of areas that have been extensively studied, making further research essential to understanding this period. Spencer Pelton, an archaeologist at the University of Wyoming, emphasizes the importance of early Indigenous sites in Beringia for understanding the peopling of North America. He notes that Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ is remarkable due to its age and richness of features, artifacts, and faunal remains, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of North America's first residents. Future excavations at the Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ site in Alaska are already being planned by archaeologist Kristina Graf. Incorporating local knowledge is a crucial aspect of the project, and Graf hopes to bring younger Alaska Native people on board for future digs. Graf has been working closely with elders from nearby Alaska Native corporations who have named the Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ site. These elders have also visited the site to discuss excavation plans and potential discoveries with the research team. The Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ site is one of only two known archaeological sites in Beringia that suggest humans were settling in this region as far back as 14,000 years ago. The other site is the 24,000-year-old Bluefish Caves location in the Yukon. Despite these discoveries, there is still much to be learned about human activity in Beringia during this time period. The researchers are eager to uncover more information through continued excavations and analysis of the site's artifacts. Graf has stated that local knowledge and involvement are essential components of the project. By collaborating with Alaska Native communities, the research team aims to gain a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage. The Shégˊ Xdaltthˊíˊ site is yielding significant insights into the lives of North America's earliest residents. Further excavations and analysis are expected to reveal even more about this enigmatic period in human history. Excavations at an ancient site in Alaska have uncovered evidence of a 13,800-year-old dwelling, making it the oldest known human habitation in the Western Hemisphere. The discovery was made at the Topper archaeological site, which has been yielding significant findings about early human presence in North America. The dwelling is believed to be part of a larger settlement that thrived during the Late Pleistocene era. Further analysis of the site and its artifacts will provide valuable insights into the lives and cultures of these ancient inhabitants. Researchers are eager to learn more about their tools, technology, and daily routines, which could shed light on the migration patterns and origins of human populations in the Americas. --- Source: [Live Science](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/americas/archaeologists-discover-the-oldest-dwelling-in-the-western-hemisphere-at-a-13-800-year-old-site-in-alaska) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/groundbreaking-discovery-made-in-interior-alaska/