Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve

Replica of a Colombian Mammoth skull found at
Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve

 

I continue to be enthralled and fascinated by the prehistory of Colorado.

I recently visited the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve in Littleton, Colorado. My friend and I met up with the tour guide at the Douglas County Library in Roxborough. After a thirty-minute slide presentation regarding the history of the site, as well as, a short spiel on prehistoric landscapes we then drove to the site.

 

We soon found ourselves standing where Charles Lamb stood in 1960, when he stumbled across bones of some very large prehistoric animals. Who knew that Colorado was once home to not only the Wooly Mammoth but also the Colombian Mammoth? And to date, this site holds title to the largest cache of Colombian Mammoth fossils in Colorado.

 

Other prehistoric fossils such as the Ground Sloth, Mastodon, North American species of camel and a distinctly North American species of horse have also been discovered.

 (Yes, you read that correctly).

   

 

Interpretive signs describing the site history



Wannabe historian (and this writer) holding a collection of projectile points

An issue of contention and topic of archaeological debate, is whether or not paleo-Indians inhabited this site at the same time as such mega fauna. According to our guide, evidence suggests that paleo-Indians may have used this site as a meat processing area (many of the fossils were discovered in piles). However, without the discovery of stone tools some scholars are reluctant to draw such conclusions.

 

Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve is clearly a significant educational and archaeological site. However, despite the significance of the area, the Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve has not been able to raise the funds necessary to be able to exhibit their findings.

 

I hope the educational and historic significance of this site can one day be displayed for all to see.

 

 

 

**FREE tours offered seasonally.

 

 

Denver: Historic Walking Tours

(The Daniels and Fisher Tower, built in 1910 and once the tallest building West of the Mississippi. The top floors were recently put up for sale and therefore tours of the upper levels may only last for a limited time).

The city of Denver is currently undergoing a surge in population growth, making way for a new wave of businesses and infrastructure adjustments. As these changes continue, let us not tear down all of the old for the new.

On the contrary, Denver's foundations (like all cities) are layered with pieces of the past.

As you walk along the sidewalks, drive along the streets, or sit among the city parks....you are treading where Amerindians, gold seekers, homesteaders, and early entrepreneurs have already walked.

And let's not forget about the architecture.

Many of early Denver's buildings line the streets of downtown, as well as, surrounding neighborhoods. It is apparent the quality of design and thoughtfulness that went into early 20th century construction (especially in contrast to many of the new, fast and cheap designs going up right now).

Denver is the cool place that it is because of the way it has preserved its historic elements. However, whether it be forests or urban jungles, preservation usually takes place because of bold, passionate individuals. (Lower downtown Denver is no exception. See: Dana Crawford).

So, whether you are a Colorado native (and there seem to be fewer and fewer) or perhaps you recently moved here ....and all the rest of us in between....come explore Denver's past.

There are several historic walking tours offered seasonally or year-round.... And at least one that is even dog-friendly! Take a look and then book a tour today!

 

Historic Walking Tours!

 

 

View of the 16th Street Mall and downtown

 

1)  History Colorado offers historic walking tours. A new and exciting program they are offering is their History Hounds program. Tours consist of dog-friendly historic walking tours of Cheesman Park, City Park, and Mt. Falcon Open Space Park. Join expert guides, Shawn Snow or State Archaeologist Holly Norton for a guided tour! Sign up today!

2) Historic Denver initially began as a way to protect the Molly Brown House. Now, they are guiding the way, helping to preserve Denver's architectural treasures and historic past. They have several historic walking tours.

3)  The Crawford Hotel offers tours of Union Station.

4) Walk and sip, anyone? Check out a Denver microbrew tour.

5) Another option is Historic LoDO Walking Tours.

6) And, of course, there are several house museum tours (I have mentioned most of these before): Denver's oldest house, known as the  4 Mile House, the 17 Mile House, Molly Brown House Museum, and the Byer's-Evans house to name a few (there are many more).

7) Here are some ideas if you would rather make up your own walking tour.







So, put your walking shoes on and get out and explore! 

View from behind the clocktower of the Daniels-Fisher Tower