Grade 4, Kentucky Unit, Lesson 2
Resource 2A
Change Over Time: Native Americans
Paleo-Indian Period 10,000B.C-8,000 B.C.
Geography and Climate
Paleo-Indians arrived in Kentucky over 12,000 years ago. The prefix paleo means very old.
Archeologists believe these early people walked here from Asia. They most likely traveled along a
land bridge that connected Asia and North America. The climate in Kentucky was much colder and
wetter that what it is today. Trees and large lakes covered parts of the area. Ice covered most of
the northern part of the United States. It was difficult to survive in the icy climate.
Hunting, Planting, and Food
Paleo-Indians had to hunt or gather the food they ate. During this time period, there was no
knowledge of how to grow crops. Large game such as mammoth, mastodon, or bison roamed the
area. These animals not only provided meat for food, but skins for shelter and clothing.
They used well-crafted spear points. The size of these spear points indicated they knew how
to work and shape stone. They made tools out of stone. They also used tools for scraping hides
and wood.
Native American Life
During this time period, people lived in small groups, which moved frequently. Once they
hunted and gathered everything they could in one location, they moved to the next location.
They often carried their belongings in skin bags and built temporary shelters for protection from
the elements.
Grade 4, Kentucky Unit, Lesson 2
Resource 2A
Change Over Time: Native Americans
Archaic Period 8,000 B.C. – 1.000 B.C.
Geography and Climate
The Archaic Period is the longest period of Native American life in Kentucky. Archaic also means old,
just not as old as the Paleo. During this period, the climate had become more like it is today. The ice age
had ended. The climate became warmer and drier. As the ice melted, new rivers and lakes were formed.
Changes in climate led to the extinction of large animals, such as the mastodon and giant bison that the
Paleo-Indians had once depended on.
Hunting, Planting, and Food
With the extinction of these animals, Archaic hunters focused on smaller game such as deer, turkey,
and rabbit. These hunters used a new weapon for hunting called the atlatl. The atlatl was a long handle
that could be attached to the end of the spear. It caused the spear to go farther and faster. This weapon
improved the accuracy of their throwing.
During this period, the Native Americans also collected wild plants for food and medicine. They
began to grow small gardens. They came to rely more on plants for food. The change in weather allowed
more plants to grow. By 1,000 B.C., some Archaic peoples had begun to experiment with growing their
own food. They grew plants like squash and goosefoot near their camps. Before long, Archaic women were
planting seeds in areas cleared especially for that purpose. Archaic groups made baskets for collecting,
transporting, and storing their food.
Native American Life
During this period, the population increased. The Archaic people were traveling less, therefore
were able to have more children. The people tended to live in one place for longer periods of time than
they had during the Paleo-Indian period. However, they continued to have a mobile lifestyle, never staying
in one place for more than a few months. These camps were located in areas where there was a variety of
resources.
Grade 4, Kentucky Unit, Lesson 2
Resource 2A
Change Over Time: Native Americans
Woodland Period 1,000 B.C. – A.D. 1000
Geography and Climate
There were no major climate changes during this period. However, as time passed, Natives during the
Woodland Period continued to adapt, and modify the environment to meet their needs.
Hunting, Planting, and Food
During the Woodland period, more time was devoted to gardening. Plants became an important part of the
diet. Plants, such as squash, sunflower, goosefoot, were common. The Woodland people were the first to
consistently farm in Kentucky. They also hunted a variety of animals and collected wild plants.
Late in the Woodland period, the bow and arrow was developed. For the first time small, true arrowheads
replaced spear points, although spears continued to be made and used. The bow and arrow worked even better
than the atlatl. The use of stone tools continued. They used these tools to help them process corn. There were also
improvements with the axe. These improvements allowed them to better cut trees and clear land.
Native American Life
During the Woodland period pottery was introduced. Early pottery was not portable. It was thick, heavy and could
break easily. However, pottery had advantages. It could be used for cooking, and could be made water tight. Also,
using bowls and pots allowed them to be able to cook directly over fire. Extra food could be stored. This meant
they could store food for the cold winter months when the crops would not be growing. The Woodland people
continued to use baskets, gourds and other containers.
The Woodland people built bigger houses and lived in larger communities. These communities were built near
rivers and streams for easy access to water.
Changes in religious and ceremonial life during the Woodland Period, is reflected by the construction of mounds.
The mounds were used as burial sites. Village leaders were buried in mounds, often placed in tombs, along with
items such as food, weapons, jewelry, and clothing. The Woodland peoples believed the leaders would need these
items in the afterlife.
Grade 4, Kentucky Unit, Lesson 2
Resource 2A
Change Over Time: Native Americans
Late Prehistoric Period A.D. 1000-1750
Geography and Climate
There were no major climate changes during the Late Prehistoric period. However, as time passed, the people
continued to adapt, and modify the environment to meet their needs. Things remained the same until Europeans arrived in
the area and began to compete for resources, once freely available to the native people.
Hunting, Planting, and Food
During this period, the people learned to grow corn. Village life revolved around planting, growing, and harvesting
corn and beans. These plants supplied people with as much as 60% of their diet.
Late Prehistoric people began using the hoe. This tool allowed them to work more effectively in their fields. They were better
able to till the land. They continued fishing and hunting for meat.
Native American Life
During the Late Prehistoric period, the natives were divided into two groups: The Mississippian Indians and the Fort
Ancient Indians. The Mississippians lived in the southern and western parts of the state, while the Fort Ancient Indians lived in
the north and east sections.
New forms of pottery were developed during this period. This included jars, bowls, plates, and bottles. Handles were
added to jars. Also human and animal symbols were sometimes included on bowls and bottles.
During the Late Prehistoric period people began to build rectangular houses. They also began to live in large yearround settlements. As many as 2,000 people may have lived in some of the large towns. These communities were ruled by
hereditary chiefs, who lived on large platform mounds near the center of the community. The Late Prehistoric Indians formed
tribes. These tribes were groups of people who lived and worked together.
The arrival of Europeans on America's eastern shores eventually brought changes to Kentucky. Diseases, many
previously unknown to the natives could wipe out entire villages. As a result, the native population quickly decreased. By the
mid 1700's few native settlements remained in Kentucky. By the early 1800s, Native Americans had virtually disappeared from
Kentucky. However, their legacy and place in Kentucky history continues.
Grade 4, Kentucky Unit, Lesson 2
Resource 2A
Change Over Time: Native Americans
Describe the geography
and/or climate of
Kentucky during this
time
Paleo-Indians
10,000B.C8,000 B.C.
Archaic
Period
8,000 B.C. –
1.000 B.C.
Woodland
Period
1,000 B.C. –
A.D. 1000
Late Prehistoric
Period
A.D. 1000-1750
Describe the animals
hunted and/o food
planted by Native
Americans during this
time
Describe how the
Native Americans lived
(camps, shelter,
customs, traditions,
daily life, etc.)