Koster Site

Why it mattersNorthwestern University 1969–78 excavation exposed 14 horizons, 6 dog burials, Horizon 6 Helton phase houses 7500 BP, 8,000-yr sequence of Archaic sedentism.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.7500 – 1000 BCE (13 horizons)

Period

Early to Late Archaic (7500 – 500 BCE)

Culture

Archaic (Helton, Modoc, Koster)

Builders

Archaic foragers

Purpose

Long-term base camp and cemetery on Illinois River terrace

Excavation

Excavated

1. c.7500 – 1000 BCE (13 horizons)

   Initial construction / first occupation

2. c.500 CE

   Major refurbishment / second occupation phase

• Koster Site — Principal Monument

  longhouse

  Principal Monument at Koster Site – longhouse (Early to Late Archaic (7500 – 500 BCE)) – Northwestern University 1969–78 excavation exposed 14 horizo

  39.2102° N · 90.5482° W

• Koster Site — Ancillary Complex

  midden

  Ancillary Complex at Koster Site – midden (Early to Late Archaic (7500 – 500 BCE)) – Northwestern University 1969–78 excavation exposed 14 horizo

  39.2080° N · 90.5500° W

• Koster Site — Outlier Feature

  reservoir

  Outlier Feature at Koster Site – reservoir (Early to Late Archaic (7500 – 500 BCE)) – Northwestern University 1969–78 excavation exposed 14 horizo

  39.2112° N · 90.5477° W