The Willow Springs Campsite: A High Plains Oasis

Dr. Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist, presents the latest findings from the Willow Springs Campsite Archaeological dig in Wyoming. Willow Springs is a major Native American encampment and late 19th century stage station situated around a perennial spring in the southern Laramie Valley. UW’s William Mulloy began work at the site in the 1960s and the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist resumed work in 2021. Although Willow Springs is one of the largest archaeological sites in Albany County, work at the site has never been reported. In this presentation, Dr. Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist, will summarize what he knows so far about the Willow Springs campsite. Notably, Native American occupation at the site left behind Albany County’s largest pottery and obsidian collections, giving archaeologists a great idea of who exactly used the site for the last 1500 years. Further, the site has yielded many distinctive historic artifacts that provide clues regarding occupation in the late 19th century beginning with the Overland Trail. NOTE: Audio is lost for one minute during the presentation, however the presentation slides are displayed during that portion of the presentation. Please continue to listen as the audio picks up again after one minute. The Oregon-California Trails Association is the pre-eminent guardian and promoter of the inspirational story of the 19th century westward migration, which is unique in world history. Our mission is to protect the Historic Emigrant Trails legacy by promoting research, education, preservation activities and public awareness of the trails, and to work with others to promote these causes. Copyright 2024 The Oregon-California Trails Association. All Rights Reserved #cherokeetrail #overlandtrail #goldrush #wyoming #archaeology