The document summarizes the cultural sequence and history of Native American societies in North Carolina from the Paleoindian period to modern times. It describes the four major prehistoric periods, including artifacts and settlements from each. The Archaic period saw increased variety of tools and camps or villages. Woodland cultures developed agriculture and built houses and mounds. European contact in the 16th-17th centuries introduced new influences but five major linguistic groups remained, some still residing in the state today.

1. North Carolina Native Societies

7. Paleoindian Artifacts The Atlatal, or Spear Thrower

9. Archaic Artifacts Polished Stone Axe from Nash County, 5000-3000 BP (above); polished bannerstones for atlatal weights (below). Changes in spear points during the Archaic Period

10. Comparative Camps Paleoindian Short-Term Camp Archaic Base Camp

13. Woodland Artifacts Pottery vessel from Haywood County, 1700 BP Partially reconstructed Swannanoa Pot

14. Woodland Housing Typical Woodland house made of poles and bark.

16. Late Woodland/Mississippian Artifacts Pottery vessel from Rockingham County, ca. 800 BP. Colington cooking pot.

17. Mississippian Buildings Archaeological traces of a round house at the Wall site along the Eno River. A platform mound such as might have been at the Town Creek site. The Pisgah village at the Warren Wilson site.

20. Some Native American Settlements on Early European Maps

21. Selected Native American Place Names in North Carolina