People & Culture
Although this large settlement was located in Illinois, many of its cultural and material influences can still be found during archaeological digs in Minnesota.
What is Cahokia?
This overarching time period in Minnesota prehistory can be characterized by the landscape consisting of prairie grassland throughout the state, except in the way northeast.
What is the Archaic Period?
These specific types of projectile points were used mainly by the Archaic peoples and tend to be smaller and have basal notches or stems to facilitate hafting.
What are dart points?
Radiocarbon dates the fall of this plains village cultural complex between 900 and 1100 AD. They are known for their distinctive ceramics, rectangular houses, and transition to a semi-sedentary agricultural lifestyle.
Who are the Great Oasis people?
This period of Minnesota prehistory remained virtually unchanged in the northern portion of the state until the French arrived in the mid-1600s.
What is the Woodland Period?
This type of active sacred cemetery is legally protected by the state of Minnesota and was built by ancient Minnesotans as far back as 800 BC.
What are burial mounds?
This group of prehistoric people are characterized by Sandy Lake ceramics and are thought to be the ancestors of modern day Dakota people in Minnesota. Their name comes from the Siouan language, and translates roughly to "wild rice gatherers."
Who are the Psinomani people?
The Browns Valley Man, who was likely a bison hunter from around 10,000 years ago, was found buried at one of the most famous archaeological sites related to this time period.
What is the Plano Paleoindian time period?
These projectile points were used from about 11,500 BC - 10,700 BC and were used to hunt large animals such as mammoths, mastodons, and saber-tooth cats. Only 30 have been found on the surface in Minnesota.
What are Clovis points?