The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village in South Dakota. Photo from Facebook

Researchers at a historical tribal village in South Dakota discovered well-preserved corn and sunflower seeds that date back more than 1,000 years.

The kernels had been charred, aiding in their preservation at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. Researchers also found corn cobs and an abundance of other plant life that indicate the divers nature of the tribal inhabitants.

"The thing is, this is an agricultural area and this is the history of that agriculture," professor Alan Outram told The Mitchell Daily Republic.

The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is the only archaeological site in South Dakota that is open to the public. It was a significant agricultural center and a major bison processing center about 1,100 years ago.

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1,000 year-old seeds dug up at Prehistoric Indian Village archeodome (The Mitchell Daily Republic 7/8)
Prehistoric Indian Village hosting students from England (AP 7/9)