Explore the Map
Hell Gap Archaeological Site
42.4083° N, -104.6394° E
About
Hell Gap (Smithsonian trinomial: 48GO305) is a deeply stratified archaeological site located in the Great Plains of eastern Wyoming, approximately thirteen miles north of Guernsey, where an abundant amount of Paleoindian and Archaic artifacts have been found and excavated since 1959. This site has had an important impact on North American archaeology because of the large quantity and breadth of prehistoric Paleoindian and Archaic period (ca. 13,500 to 7,600 B.P.) artifacts and cultures it encompasses. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Hell Gap and Agate Basin calibrated dates
10,200 to 9,600 B.P.
Early structural dates
more than 12,000 years B.P.
Paleoindian and Archaic span
ca. 13,500 to 7,600 B.P.
Discovery of the site
1959
Major university excavations
1961–1966
George Frison data project
1995
Renewed investigations
2009
National Historic Landmark designation
2016
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in United States
Bluffton Mound site
Caddoan Mississippian mound site, Arkansas
Bone Mound II
Fort Ancient burial mound in southwestern Ohio
Homayo
Tewa Pueblo ruin in New Mexico
Schwerdt site
Late Woodland seasonal encampment, 15th century Michigan
Potomac Palisades Site
Late Archaic lithic workshop, Washington, D.C.
Black Mountain (Pima County, Arizona)
Hohokam fortification on a lava-capped mesa, Arizona