Encyclopedia of history of Philadelphia

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From History of Philadelphia

10600 B.C.E-8000 B.C.E.: Paleo-Indian Period. Glaciers recede from region, rivers form, and forests develop, permitting limited human habitation.

8000 B.C.E.-1000 B.C.E.: Archaic Period. Small bands of hunters and gatherers reach the region; late in this era, settlements are created near rivers.

1000 B.C.E.- European contact: Woodland Period. Mid-Atlantic region is on the periphery of Woodland culture (centering in Ohio Valley). Archaeological evidence reveals ceramics and cultivated plants.

At the time of European contact (1609): The Lenni Lenape people inhabit a region along the Mid-Atlantic coast between Delaware Bay and New York Bay, including future location of Philadelphia.