092-0022

Bull Thistle Cave Archaeological Site

Tazewell (County)

VLR Listing Date

1987-03-17

NRHP Listing Date

1987-09-10

NHL Listing Date

NA

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

Bull Thistle Cave

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

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