When we think of Nevada’s early days, images of cowboys and prospectors often come to mind. Of course, humans have been traversing Nevada’s beautiful landscapes for thousands of years and getting to know our state’s early early history is tantamount to appreciating these stunning landscapes and destinations. Get to know a small piece of this early history when you visit this archaeological site near Baker, Nevada. Containing the remains of an ancient Fremont village, this place gives visitors a glimpse into some of the state’s very first inhabitants.
Located near Great Basin National Park is an archaeological site that gives a unique glimpse into pre-Columbian Fremont culture. Once a full-blown Fremont village, seeing this ancient site is always an extraordinary experience.
Known simply as the Baker Archaeological Site, or the Baker Village, this remote area contains the remains of an ancient village that belonged to the Fremont people. Made up of several small pit houses and granaries, experts believe it was inhabited sometime between 1220 to 1295 AD.
Believe it or not, this humble site had a huge impact when it was discovered. When the site was first excavated by archaeologists from Brigham Young University in the 1990s, artifacts were uncovered that proved that the Fremont people were just as advanced as the other pre-Columbian civilizations of the era.
After the excavations took place, the site was then backfilled with the removed dirt in order to preserve the cultural features that were uncovered. This means that you can no longer view the foundations of the village, only the walls that were built around them in 2002. However, exploring the outline of this ancient village is still an incredible experience.
The site is managed by the BLM and visitors are welcome to visit it at anytime. An information kiosk and brochures are available at the site, so be sure to grab one so you can follow along as you explore the area's trails.
Additionally, a restroom, picnic tables, and a sun shelter are also available for day use. However, water is not available, so be sure to bring plenty of your own. You can find the site located along a cut-off road between Highway 487 and Highway 6/50, just a half mile north of the Great Basin Visitor Center.
Seeing the remnants of this ancient village is a must for anybody with an interest in Nevada's early history. Plan a day trip to this peaceful destination soon and get a rare glimpse at Fremont life.
