Tennessee Prehistory :: Tennessee Archaeology Network

Tennessee Archaeology Network

The Central Information Source
for Tennessee Archaeology

Introduction

Paleoindian

Archaic

Woodland

Mississippian

Protohistoric

Historic

Outline of Southeastern Prehistory (Southeastern Archeological Center, National Park Service)

Prehistory of the Mid-South (Department of Anthropology, University of Memphis)

Tennessee Archaeology
An Outline and Introduction


An Introduction to the Archaeology of Tennessee

For most Tennesseans, the term “archaeology” probably first conjures images of intrepid explorers in exotic and faraway places. Popular images of archaeologists place them in the shadow of crumbling desert pyramids, hacking their way through dense tropical jungles to discover abandoned stone temples, or diving into Mediterranean waters in search of sunken treasure ships. However, these images capture only a tiny part of what archaeologists do – and where they carry out their search for information about the ancient and recent past.

Each year in Tennessee, dozens of professional archaeologists conduct research on over one hundred archaeological sites – ranging from over 10,000 years old up to as recent as 50-100 years. Tennessee Archaeology is a vibrant contributor not only to our understanding of the history and prehistory of this state – but also to our broader understanding of the prehistory and history of the North American continent.

As Tennessee’s modern populations expand, however, the heritage and knowledge preserved in these archaeological treasures is increasingly threatened.

Archaeology in Middle Tennessee in the 1960s and 70s. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 26.


Paleoindians in Tennessee

Paleoindians in Tennessee, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

Paleoindian Pioneers of the Upper Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 6.

The First Tennesseans: Coats-Hines Site. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 8.


The Archaic Stage in Tennessee

Archaic Period, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

The Eva Site, Benton County

Early Domestic Dogs in Tennessee. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 20.


The Woodland Stage in Tennessee

Woodland Period, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

Old Stone Fort, Coffee County


The Mississippian Stage in Tennessee

Mississippian Culture, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

Cox Mound Gorget, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture

Mound Bottom, Cheatham County, Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.

A Visit to Mound Bottom. 30 days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 13.

The French Lick Site at Sulphur Dell: An Example of Urban Archaeology in Nashville. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 26.

The 1993 Rutherford-Kizer Site Excavations. 30 Days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 26.


The Protohistoric Period in Tennessee


Historic Archaeology in Tennessee

Fort Blount, Jackson County

Who was Buried at Grassmere Plantation?. 30 days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 11.

Excavation of a Mid-Nineteenth Century Cemetery at the Nashville Zoo. 30 days of Tennessee Archaeology, Day 18.


 




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