<P> Radiocarbon dating of the site indicated occupancy beginning 16,000 years ago and possibly as early as 19,000 years ago . The dates are still controversial . A recent survey carried out by the Society for American Archaeology reported support from 38 % of archaeologists , with 20 % rejecting the early dates . Criticism of these early radiocarbon dates has focused on the potential for contamination by ancient carbon from coal - bearing strata in the watershed . The samples , tested by an independent third party geomorphologist , concluded that the samples showed no evidence of groundwater activity . Tests performed via accelerator mass spectrometry also support the earlier dates . If authentic , these dates would indicate that Meadowcroft was used in the pre-Clovis era and , as such , provides evidence for very early human habitation of the Americas . Meadowcroft Rockshelter may be the oldest known site of human habitation in North America , providing a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric hunters and gatherers . Paleoindian , Archaic , and Woodland remains have all been found at the site . </P>
<P> Radiocarbon dating of the site indicated occupancy beginning 16,000 years ago and possibly as early as 19,000 years ago . The dates are still controversial . A recent survey carried out by the Society for American Archaeology reported support from 38 % of archaeologists , with 20 % rejecting the early dates . Criticism of these early radiocarbon dates has focused on the potential for contamination by ancient carbon from coal - bearing strata in the watershed . The samples , tested by an independent third party geomorphologist , concluded that the samples showed no evidence of groundwater activity . Tests performed via accelerator mass spectrometry also support the earlier dates . If authentic , these dates would indicate that Meadowcroft was used in the pre-Clovis era and , as such , provides evidence for very early human habitation of the Americas . Meadowcroft Rockshelter may be the oldest known site of human habitation in North America , providing a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric hunters and gatherers . Paleoindian , Archaic , and Woodland remains have all been found at the site . </P>
when did the oldest human occupation of meadowcroft rockshelter occur
when did the oldest human occupation of meadowcroft rockshelter occur
16,000 years ago
16,000 years ago