Map of Illinois showing locations of Paleoindian sites.

Of the more than 45,000 recorded archaeological sites in Illinois, less than 400--0.9%--represent the Paleoindian culture! Paleoindian sites are found throughout the entire state, which suggests a way of life that could be readily adjusted to differences in landscape.

Based on the small number of artifacts found at each site, and the small size of most Paleoindian sites, archaeologists believe that Paleoindian people lived in temporary camps. Some of these settlements may have been used repeatedly, perhaps on a seasonal basis. Others, especially those located near sources of stone used for tool production, may have been visited more often.