Nevada Historic Markers in Churchill County: A Home of Early Man

Nevada Historical Marker 147
A Home of Early Man
I-80 Exit 83 Rest Area at US 95

Nevada Historic Marker 147: A Home of Early Man
Nevada Historic Marker 147: A Home of Early Man
Nevada Historic Marker 147: A Home of Early Man

13 July 2010
(Click Photo to Zoom)

A Home of Early Man

Stretching before you are two vast sinks, terminal areas of the Humboldt and Carson River drainage systems. The marshy remnant of Lake Lahontan, between you and the distant Humboldt range, served as a life sustaining resource of wildlife for prehistoric man who lived by its shores. Generations occupied caves located on the lower slopes of the distant range.

Scientific archaeological excavation reveals that Lovelock and Ocala Caves served as homes to man from 2,000 B.C. to about 1840 A.D. What he left behind tells of a successful adaptation of his culture to a lakeside environment.

Nearby Leonard Rock Shelter, with human occupancy dating from 5,000 B.C., is a National Historic Landmark.

State Historical Landmark No. 147
Nevada State Park System
Churchill County Museum


As evidenced by the top photograph, in the seven thousand years between 5000 BC and 2010 AD, man evolved from living in caves to carrying his home around with him like a turtle.

The Nevada Historical Marker for Forty-Mile Desert is also located in this rest area.

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