In Pursuit of Fur, Fish and Fowl
Archeological evidence indicates that humans have occupied the Potomac River Valley for over 13,000 years and Jones Point for almost 9,000 years. Attracted by the rich resources of Hunting Creek marsh, indigenous people built temporary structures to serve as seasonal hunting and fishing camps. At the time of European contact, several established American Indian villages were nearby: Namoraughquend (between today’s Pentagon and Theodore Roosevelt Island) and Assaomeck, Namassingakent, and Tauxenent (downriver).
11,000 BC – 8,000 BC
Paleo-Indian Period
Nomadic Hunter-Gatherers
As the last Ice Age was ending, early hunters migrated in small bands, pursuing large game, gathering plants and setting up temporary camps along rivers in locations with plentiful supplies of natural materials for tools and food.
Quartz Flakes
Thousands of quartz flakes found at Jones Point document stone tool-making from river cobbles.
8,000 BC – 1,200 BC
Archaic Period
Temporary Hunting and Fishing Camps
During this period of warming climates, fertile floodplains formed along rivers, attracting seasonal settlements of two or three families. Native peoples hunted smaller game, added various seeds, shoots, roots, and berries to their diet, stored extra foodstuffs and formed bowls of soapstone.
Stone Tools
Stone tools indicate that native peoples visited this increasingly rich marine environment to hunt, fish, and gather plant material.
1,200 BC – 1,600 AD
Permanent Farming Villages
Pottery-making traditions emerged and small villages formed, characterized by farming, assigned work tasks, and more elaborate social structure. Since homes were permanent, village construction patterns became more complex.
Soil Markings and Fire-Cracked Rock
Soil stains mark the locations of decayed wood posts, probably from small oval-shaped dwellings, and related food storage pits. Large quantities of fire-cracked rock from hearths were found at a refuse pit near one of the dwellings.
