The Archaic tradition is associated with environmental changes that happened during this period. Glaciers retreated northward. When this happened the large game that had been a staple of subsistence became extinct or migrated north following the colder climates. As this happened these were replaced with modern animal life and plant species. The hunters now concentrated on deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits, and fish. Survival strategies also included the incorporation of seasonal resources such as nuts, berries, seeds, bulbs, and greens. The hunter-forager lifestyle of this period was highly efficient and resulted in a highly effective adaptation to the total natural enviornment.

With this adaptation to the environment the populations became less mobile and began to stay in one area more. Certain areas began to be re-occupied annually. The intensive exploitation of food resources has been reflected in the archaeological discoveries of fire-cracked rock at many sites from this period.

The Archaic period is divided into three sub-periods: Early, Middle and Late.

In the Early Archaic period (10,000 -- 8,000 B.C.) there is a shift to a more local habitation based on the seasonal harvest of plants and animals. The projectile points become noticeably different from the earlier forms. They become smaller in size. They take on a trangular shape and they have notched bases. Most archaeologist believe this shift in technology is a result of the invention of the atlatl spear thrower. This inventiion consist of a straight wooden shaft with a handle on one end and a notched tip. By using this device the force of the throw was greatly increased, the accuracy improved, and the distance over which the spear could travel was significantly increased. This allowed the Archaic people to hunt with success the smaller and faster game of the period.

Research indicates that the MIddle Archaic Period (8,000 -- 5,500 B. C.) was a difficult time for these prehistory populations. Evidence suggests there were occasional long droughts during this time. At the same time there are indications that population density was increasing.

Another characteristic of this period is the development of a more varied tool kit. There is the supplemental use of shale, slate, quartz, and quartzite as well as cherts. Also personal ornamentations develop which include cut and polished shell, bone, and stone.

During the Archaic time groups begin to repeatedly occupy midden mound sites along major rivers and tributary streams. These sites served as seasonal meeting points for dispersed groups, habitation areas, and mortuary locations. It is likely these meetings also included trade, exchange of information, and the selection of marriage partners.

Mortuary patterns are reflected clearly in the Middle Archaic period. The inhabitants began to bury their dead in flexed positions, placed in round or oval pits. This was a change from the Early Archaic where the dead were cremated. These burials included mortuary offerings such as ornaments or tools.

During this time a complex trade system was obviously developing. This is evidenced in the large numbers of finds including marine shell, copper, steatite and other materials not found in this area.

The Late Archaic Period (5,500 -- 3,000 B. C.) saw environmental conditions begin to resemble our modern environment. This resulted in increasing moist conditions in the area. With this there was a corresponding boom in local plant and animal life. The prehistoric people took advantage of the new, lush conditions by living along the major streams where water, plants, and animals were plentiful. Some say that this trend marks the beginning of a sedentary lifestyle that lays the foundation for more permanent villages that were to come.

Regional trade increases during this period. In addition to exotic items, unfinish raw materials and utilitarian items such as stone bowls and projectile points were widely exchanged. This increase in trade is a key factor in the social stratification that occurs throughout the area in this period. Evidence of this social stratificatin is seen in the differential burial programs and variation in quantities and types of grave goods.