Depending on the source, Texas’s prehistoric past can be traced as far back as 13,000 years. That’s 11000 B.C. That’s a lot of years. Most archeologists and historians divide the state’s prehistoric era into three periods: Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Late Prehistoric.

The Paleo-Indian period is significant for containing references to the earliest known inhabitants of the state (circa 9200 B.C.). Archeologists have discovered numerous distinctive Clovis fluted points (a type of arrowhead) from this era, which were sometimes used for hunting mammoth.

The longest span of Texas’s prehistory falls under the Archaic period (circa 6000 B.C. to A.D. 700). It’s noted for the changes in projectile points and tools, and the introduction of grinding implements for food preparation. A significant weapon used during the Archaic period was a spear-throwing device known as an atlatl.

The bow and arrow was introduced during Texas’s Late Prehistoric period (A.D. 700 to circa 1600). Pottery is present during this period among the hunters and gatherers in Central, South, and coastal Texas. Bison hunting was also very important to people living in most regions of the state’s present-day boundaries.