1. The First Inhabitants

2. The Bering Land Bridge Many scientists believe the first people came to North America across a land bridge at what is now the Bering Strait.

3. Paleolithic 10,000 BC – 7,000 BC Paleolithic means “old stone” in Latin Name refers to their tools and weapons Handaxe

4. Stone Spearhead

5. Various Tools and Weapons

6. The Paleolithic Period Very little remains Hunters/gatherers Small communities Limited nutrition Hunted mammoths and large animals

7. The Archaic Period 7,000 BC – 500 BC Gathered local food and hunted smaller animals Weapons and tools improved Climate warmed Larger communities

8. Spearheads

9. Atlatl The atlatl was a carved stick that had a base at right angles to the shaft.

10. Woodland Period 1,000 BC – 1,000 AD Began to grow Maize, or corn Climate began to warm Better nutrition Village life began Began making pottery Depended on forests for food and shelter Invention of the bow and arrow

11. Circular House of the Woodland Period

12. Hunters

13. Mississippian Period 800 AD – 1500 AD Had ceremonial centers Were traders that looked for minerals, flints, and other valuable materials Green Corn Ceremony – yearly celebration at corn harvest – similar to our Christmas

14. These reconstructions of Mississippian residences are located at the Moundville Archaeological Park.

15. Built fences for protection

16. Began building canoes