Prehistoric Indian Campsite

In this vicinity are the remains of a prehistoric Indian refuse pile, comprised mainly of clam shells. Archeologists call such sites "shell middens." They are the result of centuries of shellfish harvesting by early Indian groups. shells found at this site have been identified as belonging to the rangia cuneata (common rangia) clam, a species once found in abundant numbers in Galveston Bay. As the shell midden grew in size over the years, it became the foundation for a large Indian campsite. Stone tools and pottery uncovered here are evidence of the later occupation. Although the tribal origins of the Indians cannot be determined, it is known that both Orcoquisac and Karankawa once lived in the area in historic times. Shell middens similar to this one were once more common along the streams feeding into the bay. Storms, subsidence, and natural erosion, however, have destroyed many, as have mining operations that used the shells for road construction projects. As a result, this is one of the best remaining examples of a prehistoric midden and campsite in Harris County. Because of its significance, the site has been afforded special protection as a State Archeological Landmark.

Prehistoric Indian Campsite is a historical marker in Seabrook, Harris County, dedicated in 1988. It is one of 422 historical markers documented in Harris County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 849 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.5922, -94.9942 near Seabrook. The nearest cataloged historic site is Seabrook Cemetery (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Compton-Beazley, Harris, Captain William Plunkett, and Houston Yacht Club.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5201010746. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.