Optically stimulated luminescence dating of a probable Native American cairn and wall site in Eastern Pennsylvania

Abstract

More than 5000 rock structure sites are found in northeastern United States, but their cultural attribution has long been debated. Some argue than many are prehistoric in origin, while others maintain they all date to colonial times. Few have been dated, and of those that have, the association of the dated material and the rocks can be challenged. Here, we provide luminescence analysis on the rocks themselves at a large site in eastern Pennsylvania. Our results suggest an age coeval with the Adena culture of the Ohio Valley.