The Middle to Later Woodland Periods within the Delaware River Valley are regarded as periods of transition in regards to settlement patterns, technology, and regional identity as inferred through stylistic expressions. Shown at sites... more
The Middle to Later Woodland Periods within the Delaware River Valley are regarded as periods of transition in regards to settlement patterns, technology, and regional identity as inferred through stylistic expressions. Shown at sites within the mid-Delaware River Valley at the transition between the Inner Coastal Plain and Piedmont physiographic provinces such as the Abbott Farm National Landmark, settlement increasingly became focused towards floodplain settlements after 1200-1300 CE, which was likely related to domestic plant horticulture (Stewart 1990:232). Recent research at the Gloucester City Native American Archaeological Historic District firmly within the Inner Coastal Plain along the Delaware River and Little Timber Creek floodplain, shows occupation prior to the 1200-1300 CE period observed to the north. This occupation is argued to be related to landscape modification aimed at horticulture. During this research, it was noted that very little is known about how Middle to Later Woodland people sheltered themselves at these floodplain sites. Archaeological discoveries in Gloucester City are able to provide some information about plant use and related structures.
