Early U.S. History Native Cultures Presentation

Native Cultures Before European Arrival

Use these regional landing pages to investigate Native societies before European arrival.

Important: A region is not one culture. Make specific claims about the people or society your source describes. To make a regional claim, compare evidence from at least two distinct communities.

About the readings: The readings on this site are simplified versions of the original texts, with credit to the authors. Words with a dotted underline have a Word Help card pinned beside them. Each reading links to the original source at the top. Photos, maps, and other images are only on the original pages, so use those links to see them.

WestChumash, Columbia River and Pacific Northwest communities SouthwestAncestral Pueblo communities, Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon NortheastHaudenosaunee communities and Hopewell earthworks SoutheastMississippian societies, Ocmulgee and Poverty Point PlainsMandan, Hidatsa and Arikara earthlodge communities