Tennessee Archaeological Sites: A Comprehensive Overview of State Records
The rich history of Tennessee is preserved not only in written records but in the earth itself. The Tennessee Division of Archaeology maintains a comprehensive database of all recorded archaeological sites within the state, serving as a vital repository for understanding the diverse populations that have inhabited the region over millennia.
As of January 1, 2009, this catalog contains more than 22,000 sites. These records encompass both prehistoric and historic resources, providing a window into the evolution of human society in the region from the earliest settlers to the modern era.
Defining Archaeological Periods in Tennessee
To organize these vast findings, archaeologists divide Tennessee's history into two primary eras: Prehistoric and Historic. Prehistoric is generally defined as the span between the appearance of the first people in the region (approximately 12,000 BC) and the arrival of the first European explorers around 1540 AD. The Historic period begins with the arrival of these Europeans and continues to the present day.
Both eras are further categorized into specific subperiods and phases based on established regional archaeological conventions. These divisions help researchers identify cultural shifts in tool use, settlement patterns, and social organization.
Key Facts
- The Tennessee Division of Archaeology database contains over 22,000 recorded sites.
- The Prehistoric period in Tennessee spans from c. 12,000 BC to c. 1540 AD.
- The Historic period begins with European arrival (c. 1540 AD) and continues today.
- Official site numbers for historic locations are typically assigned only if documentation or artifacts support a date prior to 1933.
- Sites are identified using a State Trinomial system (e.g., 40DV11).
Understanding Site Classification and Identification
Cultural Affiliation and Multicomponent Sites
Cultural affiliation refers to the specific archaeological period during which a site was created or occupied. However, many locations are multicomponent, meaning they were occupied during more than one period. For example, a site might feature American Civil War earthworks built directly atop a prehistoric Mississippian village.
In official listings, the cultural affiliation usually refers to the period of the most significant occupation or event, such as a major battle, that occurred at that location.
The State Trinomial System
To ensure precise tracking, recorded sites are assigned State Trinomials. These are alphanumeric codes that indicate the state, the county, and a sequential site number. For instance, the trinomial 40DV11 identifies the eleventh archaeological site recorded in Davidson County (DV), Tennessee (40).
Timeline of Cultural Affiliations
Archaeologists use the following legend to categorize the cultural affiliations of sites found across the state:
| Period/Affiliation | Approximate Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Paleoindian | c. 12,000 BC (or earlier) to 8,000 BC |
| Archaic | c. 8,000 BC to 1,000 BC |
| Woodland | c. 1,000 BC to 1,000 AD |
| Mississippian | c. 900 to 1,600 AD |
| Cherokee | c. 1,600 to 1,800 (Proto-historic and Historic) |
| British Colonial | Pre-1776 (Euro-American expansion) |
| American | Post-1776 (Euro-American occupation/events) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a historical site and an archaeological site?
While related, they are not identical. In Tennessee, a historical site is generally only assigned an official archaeological site number if there is historic documentation or physical artifacts that support a date prior to 1933. Additionally, historical sites are only included in archaeological lists if actual field work has been conducted.
What does a multicomponent site mean?
A multicomponent site is a location that was occupied or used during more than one archaeological period. An example would be a site containing both prehistoric village remains and later military fortifications.
How do State Trinomials work?
State Trinomials are unique identifiers consisting of a state code, a county code, and a sequential number. For example, in 40DV11, "40" represents Tennessee, "DV" represents Davidson County, and "11" is the specific site number.
When did the Prehistoric period end in Tennessee?
The Prehistoric period is generally considered to have ended around 1540 AD, coinciding with the arrival of the first European explorers in the region.