SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- There's new research out that opens a window into what's believed to be ancient Native American salt factories in the Sierra.
KCBS’ Susan Leigh Taylor Reports
A geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey has found what could be one of the earliest known factories created and used by Miwok Indians to make tons of salt to trade with tribes throughout California. The factory was found in canyon within in the Stanislaus National Forest.
The geologist, James Moore, learned of the granite terrace, which is the size of a football field, from detailed maps made more than a century ago.
In May he hiked to the region and examined hundreds of circular artifacts yards away from two streams of saltwater.
He and a colleague describe what they found as an impressive display of early technology.
Anthropology experts say their findings give us new insights into the lives of the Miwok people in the Sierra.
(MGO)
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