Prehistoric Period c. 13,000 BC-1600 AD
The Paleo Indian period lasted from circa 13,000 BC to circa 8000 BC.
The Archaic Indian period lasted from 8000 BC to 1000 BC.
The Woodland Indian period lasted from 1000 BC to 1000 AD.
The Mississippian Indian period lasted from circa 1000-1600; these were the Indians who met the European explorers and settlers, and from whom descended the Cherokees, Creeks, Seminoles, and other Native American tribes.