Archaeological Evidence Confirms 10,900-Year History of Four Corners Potato Cultivation on the Colorado Plateau

In January 2026, researchers unveiled significant findings regarding the ancient domestication of the Four Corners potato, scientifically known as Solanum jamesii, on the Colorado Plateau. This research initiative, led by the University of Utah, is reshaping our understanding of early agricultural practices in the American Southwest. Scholars such as Lisbeth Louderback from the Natural History Museum of Utah and Bruce Pavlik of the University of Utah’s Red Butte Garden have identified evidence of indigenous use of this potato spanning at least 11,000 years. This discovery represents the earliest documented use of potatoes anywhere in North America.

The cornerstone of this discovery involved the microscopic examination of starch granules found on 401 ancient stone implements gathered from 14 different archaeological locations. These findings verify that S. jamesii was being processed as far back as 10,900 calibrated years before the present. This data establishes a clear timeline of active cultivation by early indigenous peoples well beyond the plant's natural habitat, which was traditionally confined to the Mogollon Rim area of Arizona and New Mexico. Furthermore, the center of genetic diversity for S. jamesii has been located within Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado.

The research identifies an "anthropogenic range" where Native American communities deliberately moved and cultivated the potato. Significant sites within this range include the North Creek Shelter in southern Utah and Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico. Investigators noted distinct changes in the plant's characteristics within these areas, pointing to the early phases of artificial selection, such as enhanced resistance to frost. These results complement earlier evidence of S. jamesii usage in Utah dating to 8950 BC, highlighting a long-standing relationship between humans and this resilient tuber.

Nutritionally, the Four Corners potato was an essential resource for survival. It contains three times the protein and double the calories of the common commercial potato, Solanum tuberosum. Such nutritional density was vital for maintaining food security in the region's semi-arid environment. Although S. jamesii tubers are much smaller than those of modern commercial varieties, they possess higher concentrations of glycoalkaloids like tomatin. To mitigate the bitter taste, indigenous groups employed specialized preparation methods, such as leaching the potatoes or mixing them with clay.

This interdisciplinary effort, which integrates archaeological evidence with the traditional knowledge of Diné and Hopi elders, is fundamentally revising the history of North American agriculture. Currently, experts from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are analyzing the DNA of S. jamesii to find genes linked to drought and disease resistance. These traits could potentially be introduced into modern potato crops to improve their hardiness. With its unique ability to survive in dormancy for up to ten years and its high tolerance for drought, this ancient tuber is viewed as a promising food source for the future.