DISCOVERY BAY – Native American remains uncovered last week at Beckett Point probably predate recorded history.
“We have reason to believe that there are remains of prehistoric people here,” archaeologist Gary Wessen said Monday at the Beckett Point dig site near the community’s boat ramp overlooking Discovery Bay.
“There certainly is evidence that [Native American] people were here.”
Wessen, who was hired by Jefferson County Public Utility District and the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, said work at the site would probably wrap up today.
Wessen was reluctant to detail what has been found so far, saying he preferred to wait until he and his archaeological team of tribal members had completed the task of disinterring remains.
He did say that more than one set of remains has been exhumed.
He said he first wanted to hear from the tribes, including Jamestown S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam, for their comments.
“I will talk more when I actually understand what the story is here,” he said.
