|
Long before Europeans arrived, indigenous cultures enjoyed the local beauty and wealth of natural resources.
Distinct cultures arose during this time, and many have left evidence of their occupation in the archeological record. Along every coastline, middens and projectile points indicate past presence of Native
Americans.
Many steps in human cultural evolution can be found in the local archeological record. The advance from hunting
and gathering to limited horticulture has been documented for the region. Although the first Europeans traded their goods for raw materials and knowledge of how to live in the local climate and environment, the
effect of Native Americans on European cultures has been obscured over the centuries. It is likely that present locations of towns and roads were influenced by Native Americans, but this is conjectural.
Their presence is recognized in place and river names across the Upper Eastern Shore.
The distribution of prehistoric sites generally follows the distribution of colonial sites: most of them line the
riverbanks. Further research will undoubtedly uncover sites inland, but most of the prehistoric sites studied are located near water.
|
