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August 14, 2025 / Modified aug 14, 2025 3:26 p.m.

Tracking the first human footprints in the Southwest

Some of the earliest known evidence of humans living in and around southern Arizona and New Mexico has been traced to around 23,000 years ago.
by Tony Perkins

Arizona Science 8/14/25 web thumb
universityevents.arizona.edu/ and Trevor Huxham

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement
Arizona Science

Arizona Science pgm 449 8/14/25

This episode is supported by the The Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
NPR

Some of the earliest known evidence of humans living in and around southern Arizona and New Mexico has been traced to around 23,000 years ago. University of Arizona archeologist Vance Holliday discusses his finds near White Sands Missile Range and how they add to the book of human history in the region.

Vance Holliday spoke with Leslie Tolbert, Ph.D. regent’s professor emerita in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona.

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In 2018, Arizona Illustrated producer Brian Nelson visited the archaeological site at White Sands National Park. Watch the segment below.

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