Who Was Kennewick Man?
New Theories about the First Americans
For much of the 20th century, most scientists and archaeologists held the belief that the First Americans arrived after passing through the Bering Land Bridge which connected North America to Northeast Asia during the last ice age. This theory was largely supported by the discovery of artifacts near Clovis, New Mexico. The estimated age and location of these artifacts suggested that people could have arrived in North America as the last ice age was ending.
In recent years, new archeological discoveries have prompted new theories about the origin(s) of the First Americans. Some scientists believe the First Americans may have traveled by boat along the coasts of Northeast Asia and North America, and could have arrived long before they possible could have according to the Land Bridge theory.
Enter Kennewick Man
In July of 1996, a human skeleton was discovered near Kennewick, Washington, which soon became known as Kennewick Man. First thought to be the remains of a European settler hundreds of years old, carbon dating of the remains suggested Kennewick Man lived about 9,000 years ago. However, several physical features of Kennewick Man suggested he does not have a Native American ancestry.
In this webquest, you will learn more about Kennewick Man in order to decide how he factors into the controversy over the origin(s) of the First Americans.
Focus Question
What role does Kennewick Man play in the controversy over the origin of the First Americans?