The Role of the Apple River Culture on the Northern Mississippian Frontier

From A.D. 1100-1300 a distinct group of Mississippian people occupied the lower Apple River Valley in northwestern Illinois. It is believed that Mississippians migrated to the area from the south and established a series of settlements with local Woodland people. During the two centuries of occupation these people initially emulated many aspects of Mississippian culture, but soon created their own cultural trajectory. The establishment, development and demise of the Apple River culture ultimately had a profound impact on Native American histories in the upper Midwest.