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Dust Cave
34.7781° N, -87.7239° E
About
Dust Cave is a Paleoindian archaeology site located in northern Alabama. It is in the Highland Rim in the limestone bluffs that overlook Coffee Slough, a tributary of the Tennessee River. The site was occupied during the Pleistocene and early Holocene eras. 1LU496, another name for Dust Cave, was occupied seasonally for 7,000 years. The cave was discovered in 1984 by Dr. Richard Cobb and initially excavated in 1989 under Dr. Boyce Driskell from the University of Alabama. Other major Paleoindian sites in northern Alabama include Stanfield-Worley, Mulberry Creek, the Quad site and Heaven's Half Acre.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Cave became habitable
10,600 B.P.
Early Side-Notched component
10,000–9000 cal B.C.
Quad/Beaver Lake/Dalton component
10,650–9200 cal B.C.
Paleoindian projectile points dated
12,650–11,200 cal B.P.
River sediment burial
17,000–15,000 B.P.
Site discovery
1984
First excavations
1989
Fieldwork concluded
2002
Benton component
4500–3600 cal B.C.
Eva/Morrow Mountain component
6400–4000 cal B.C.
Kirk Stemmed component
8200–5800 cal B.C.
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Burial and Funerary Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
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