Current Perspectives On Stone Ring Structures in Northeastern Colorado

Abstract

Stone ring structures include almost all of the currently identified prehistoric architectural manifestations in northeastern Colorado. Rings are found singly or in groups, in or near the short-grass prairie that vegetates the area. Data are included for 32 stone ring sites in the Livermore, Keota, and Ft. Morgan areas of Colorado and the nearby Point of Rocks area in western Nebraska. Ring diameters usually range from 2.5 to 5 m. It is suggested, but not proven, that occasional sites with consistently larger rings reflect horse transport mechanisms. Most ring sites have small surface collections that typically lack the projectile points, sherds, or other artifacts that would provide typological chronological placement. The excavated T-W-Diamond site (5LR200) yielded radiocarbon dates of A.D. 1020±230 and A.D. 1170±270 in association with side-notched projectile points and plain ceramics. Collections from some other ring sites in the area include similar artifacts and may be contemporaneous. Future research plans include (1) re-collection of known sites to increase the size of surface collections and their potential for typological dating, (2) detailed mapping of surface features on surveyed sites, and (3) excavation of selected stone ring sites to increase knowledge about subsurface remains. Particular attention will be focused on research goals as identified by Adams in Alberta. Additional problems to be addressed include vegetable food resources available, season of occupation, and social implications of numbers of rings per site.