Relics on display - Alibates Quarry

[Shannon Graham]

Thousands of years ago, primitive tribes found something they needed scattered in the dusty hills about 35 miles north of Amarillo.
They were allured by an unusual resource: flint.

The colorful stone, known as Alibates flint, was coveted. They used it to make tools and weapons vital to survival.

Today, remnants of prehistoric existence, including quarries and village ruins, are protected as part of the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.

“This place was the mother lode of flint in this area,” said park ranger Marten Schmitz.

“It remains one of the most incredibly significant archeological sites.”
Alibates will celebrate its archeological heritage, in conjunction with Texas Archeology Month, with a public event planned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Alibates Rocks! Flintfest 2010.

Full story here.