The indigenous populations of North America created impressive societies engaged in trade and had varied economic social and religious cultures. Over the past century archaeological and ethnological research throughout all regions of North America has revealed much about the indigenous peoples of the continent. This book examines the long and complex history of human occupation in North America covering its distinct culture as well as areas of the Arctic California Eastern Woodlands Great Basin Great Plains Northwest Coast Plateau Southwest and Subarctic. Complete with maps a chronology that spans the history from 11000 B.C. to A.D. 1850 an introductory essay more than 700 dictionary entries and a comprehensive bibliography this reference is a valuable tool for scholars and students. An appendix of museums that have North American collections and a listing of archaeological sites that allow tours by the public also make this an accessible guide to the interested lay reader and high school student.