Prehistoric settlement and subsistence in the Cumberland Gap region of southwest Virginia

This dissertation is a study of the prehistory of the Cumberland Gap region of southwest Virginia based on the excavation and analysis of archaeological materials located at Sites 44LE121 and 44LE129. These sites contained undisturbed archaeological deposits associated with multiple cultural periods, and produced a suite of radiocarbon dates linked to these materials. The research design was structured to develop new information in the areas of site association and chronology, lithic technology, subsistence practices, settlement organization, site function, and regional interaction. At Sites 44LE121 and 44LE129 cultural occupation was found to extend from the Early Archaic through the Late Prehistoric periods. Material evidence of Mississippian culture, previously unacknowledged in Virginia, was also uncovered. Absent from the record at either of these sites, however, was any evidence of a Middle Archaic occupation, a possible reflection of the influence of the Hypsithermal Interval. At 44LE129 the Early Woodland and Late Prehistoric period settlement appeared to be the most substantial, as indicated by the presence of features and a structure, respectively. Postmolds associated with the Late Prehistoric settlement at Site 44LE129 indicate that this period saw the most intensive occupation. A number of industries were identified from the lithic assemblage at both sites, and a strong preference for the darker varieties of local chert was noted. Functional analysis of tools, blood residue testing, faunal studies, botanical analysis, pottery vessel form analysis, and pollen studies revealed a complex subsistence system in operation at both sites. Among the results was evidence of use of a number of Native American cultigens at Site 44LE121 by 2210 B.P. While data relating to settlement organization is limited, evidence indicates that these sites may have functioned as small camps, occupied in the fall and winter, and focused on hunting and gathering of plant resources. Clearly the upland setting, with well-drained, fertile soils, an oak-hickory forest, and readily available lithic sources, remained an attractive area for settlement. Ceramic wares and projectile point types recovered at these sites suggest cultural connections with the interior Southeast.