Paleo-Indian Occupations in Northeastern Minnesota: How Early?

Abstract

Environmental factors influenced Paleo-Indian occupation in northern portions of North America. Glacial features posed physical restrictions while revegetation on the post-glacial landscape limited available resources. Areas of northern Minnesota were ice-free by 13,500 B.P. with lake formation and revegetation at 12,000 to 11,000 B.P. By 11,200 B.P. northeastern Minnesota was probably habitable. However, archaeological evidence for early Paleo-Indian occupation in the area is sparse. Fluted and Holcombe-like projectile points have only been reported from three localities; well-dated sites are lacking at present, in contrast to the evidence for Late Paleo-Indian occupation. However, rugged terrain and thick vegetation hamper survey and bias the record toward accessible locations—those on modern waterways. A survey strategy based on the immediate post-glacial landscape needs to be implemented to address the question of earliest occupation. In addition, the problem of charcoal dates that are widely divergent from associated cultural remains must be addressed.