Apalachicola Valley Archaeology: The Late Woodland Period through Recent History, Volume 2

Apalachicola Valley Archaeology: The Late Woodland Period through Recent History, Volume 2 synthesizes the archaeology and history of the Native Americans, African Americans, and Euro-Americans of the Apalachicola–lower Chattahoochee Valley region of northwest Florida, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia from 1300 years ago until the present. It reveals that the prehistoric Late Woodland cultures who developed maize agriculture developed into Fort Walton chiefdoms, and that post-invasion and Spanish and British colonization, these peoples were replaced by consolidated groups of Native American survivors and maroons.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2024
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

Apalachicola Valley Archaeology: The Late Woodland Period through Recent History, Volume 2, is a comprehensive synthesis of the archaeology and history of the Native Americans, African Americans, and Euro-Americans residing in the Apalachicola–lower Chattahoochee Valley region of northwest Florida, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia. Spanning a period of approximately 1300 years, from the Late Woodland to the present, this region is culturally and environmentally distinct, yet it remains relatively unknown archaeologically due to its location at the frontier, which crosses historic political boundaries.

The early chapters of the book provide an overview of the environment and archaeology, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of different time periods. The coverage spans from the Late Woodland to the present, encompassing various topics such as settlement patterns, archaeological discoveries, material culture, subsistence and seasonality, history, sociopolitical systems, and the diverse peoples inhabiting the region.

Whites' extensive work unveils the remarkable transformation of the prehistoric Late Woodland cultures that pioneered maize agriculture into the Fort Walton chiefdoms. Following the invasion and subsequent colonization by the Spanish and British, these indigenous peoples were replaced by consolidated groups of Native American survivors and maroons who roamed the region. These multiethnic societies, characterized by their blended material cultures, developed new identities and lived on the peripheries of colonial territories. Notably, Creek societies, many of which became Seminoles, played significant roles in European and American conflicts until the majority of Indians were forcibly removed in the 1830s.

Subsequently, the region gained importance for the production of cotton, cattle, and timber, often relying on enslaved labor and steamboat transportation. The expansion of agriculture and silviculture, as well as the emergence of industries such as turpentine, tupelo honey, and others, left behind substantial material evidence of this period. The usefulness of this information to modern society is acknowledged, highlighting the significance of preserving and understanding our shared heritage.

To enhance the reader's experience, the book is accompanied by copious illustrations that vividly depict the cultural and historical aspects of the region. These illustrations provide a visual complement to the text, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the archaeological and historical narratives presented.

In conclusion, Apalachicola Valley Archaeology: The Late Woodland Period through Recent History, Volume 2, is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of the Apalachicola–lower Chattahoochee Valley region. Through its comprehensive synthesis of archaeology and history, the book offers a deeper understanding of the diverse peoples, settlement patterns, and material cultures that have shaped this region over the centuries. By highlighting the region's historical significance and its connection to broader national and global narratives, this book contributes to our collective knowledge and appreciation of the past.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817361310