WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (Washington County, Utah)
SANTA CLARA PREHISTORY
HISTORY
Fresh water pours off the Pine Valley Mountains in Washington County, Utah. Flowing down hill, water turned stream then river. Aboriginal peoples call the river Tonaquint.Fresh and accessible water brought humankind to the Tonaquint (now called Santa Clara River). The first peoples arrived in the Archaic archeological period, possibly 8-10 thousand Years ago. They were hunter-gatherers, following big game migrations across the North American Continent. Rock Writing (petroglyphs) and stone tools were left behind.
Over thousands of years, the bow and arrow was invented, pottery and basketry were improved, and domestication of seeds and farming learned. A sophisticated society emerged. Rock writing was concentrated near the river. Shamanic religious rituals were observed. Sun, stars and moon were tracked making a yearly calendar which governed the daily lives of these indigenous people.
Historical documents show that a remnant of these peoples were still present at first contact by white men. The modern day Village of Santa Clara was founded first by LDS Missionaries and then Swiss emigrants. Historical records show that almost every shovel full of dirt unearthed during the building of Santa Clara revealed ancient artifacts. Many of these artifacts are now on display in the Santa Clara Historical Museum.
PHOTOS
WCHS photos:WCHS-04150 Photo of a prehistoric double pot
WCHS-04151 Photo of a prehistoric stone knife