New England Antiquities Research Association

 

Firefighters Unearth Ancient Indian Camp

Reprinted from the Pasadena Star News

 

 

 

December 6, 2003

 

Firefighters who dug trenches in the San Bernardino Mountains during the wildfires two months ago turned up what experts believe is an ancient Serrano Indian encampment.

The U.S. Forest Service dug the fire line Oct. 30 during a successful battle to save Big Bear City from flames.

But around the line west of Baldwin Lake, Forest Service officials unearthed nonnative stone materials such as jasper and obsidian that were used by American Indians to make cutting tools or arrowheads.

Archaeologist Daniel McCarthy and his team uncovered grinding stones at least 250 years old, ceramic pieces about 300 years old, arrow points about 500 years old, and fire pits that could date back 1,000 years. They are continuing to excavate.

The find has generated interest among local tribes. James Ramos, cultural awareness coordinator for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, a clan of the Serrano people, said he was initially alarmed that bulldozers had gone through the artifacts. Now, the 37-year-old says the find will increase understanding of his tribe.

 

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