Archaeological Horizons in the Southern Illinois Region

With the recent completion of a number of excavation programs by the University of Chicago, Carbondale State Normal University, and the St. Louis Academy of Sciences, it is now possible to make a preliminary analysis of the aboriginal occupations of southern Illinois and adjoining areas. Much of the data may not be published for several years, so an introductory statement may be useful.In this paper we will propose a chronological and cultural sequence based upon these excavated materials. Since the final analysis has not been accomplished, the conclusions expressed here are to be taken wholly as a progress report and subject to eventual revision and refinement.The material will be discussed by period, following the divisions on the charts appended to this paper (Figs. 2 and 3). The horizons will be discussed in order, beginning with the earliest.