092-0022

Bull Thistle Cave Archaeological Site

VLR Listing Date

03/17/1987

NRHP Listing Date

09/10/1987

NRHP Reference Number

87001531

The Bull Thistle Cave in Tazewell County holds an undisturbed archaeological deposit containing human osteological remains and artifacts relating to its use as a place of burial during the later half of the Late Woodland Period (ca. A.D. 1300-1700). The site is the best preserved example of a Late Woodland Period vertical drop burial cave known in Virginia. The burial deposit should contribute valuable data on the age, sex, stature, health, genetic relationship, as well as religious practices of the Indians of Southwest Virginia. It is likely the cave also contains intact deposits useful for determining the paleo environment of the region.

Last Updated: June 2, 2023

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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

158-5053

Tazewell Historic District (Boundary Increase)

Tazewell (County)

092-5060

Clynchdale

Tazewell (County)

158-5052

Tazewell Depot

Tazewell (County)