The land on which Lost Pines sits, and the region that surrounds our resort, has a history that is endlessly interesting. It is part of a critical transitional period that dates back many thousands of years, yet even now it blends past and present, for our guests are surrounded by the same trees and grassy knolls that were present in prehistoric times.

In 2021, through an engineering report we commissioned to examine the land and its background, a wealth of rich details were uncovered. We were deeply intrigued by these discoveries, which serve to reinforce something we already believed strongly: It is a privilege to occupy this land. Below are a few notes we think you’ll find intriguing as well.

This area was frequently visited by mobile groups. Somewhat similar to Lost Pines today, groups would visit this area for short periods of time—although they were hunting and foraging mussels, bison, seeds, nuts, and other things for food. The food was cooked over campfires or in shallow pits, which left behind burned rocks that archaeologists are able to identify (similar to coals left behind after grilling).

People here were among the last to use the “atlatl.” That was a tool used to aid in spear-throwing, and people apparently held on to that technology here even after the bow and arrow were introduced and became the primary tools for hunting.

A wide variety of tools were used here. From “groundstone” tools (for grinding and breaking down plants) to stone knives and ceramic bowls, researchers identified an assortment of fragments showing that people used an assortment of tools for food processing and cooking.

The Colorado River played a key role in attracting people. Just as many of us live around major roadways now, the Colorado River was like a highway of sorts for past peoples, who stopped and settled along the waterway for thousands of years. This particular location, the report notes, was “a suitable site for brief settlement with plentiful local resources.”

It’s no wonder people still visit this land today: Although we don’t need to worry about hunting and gathering, or crafting tools out of stone to prepare our food, the beauty of nature—along with its nourishing and healing properties—will always be a powerful draw.