Little
River's long history of human habitation and use and sequences of recorded
events that occurred there make it significant as an archeological and
historical link to this Nation's history. It should be noted that the earliest
human presence at Little River and the surrounding area most probably resulted
from an appreciation of the abundant natural resources to be found there.
The
following are three cultural periods relevant to the area.
Prehistoric
(6000 BC-1530 AD) - It may be possible that significant Paleo materials
(12,000 BC-8000 BC) may be found within Little River Canyon because of
finds to the north in the Tennessee River Valley and to the south on the
Fort McClellan Military Reservation. Fluted projectile points are occasionally
reported by Cherokee County collectors.
Early
Historic (1539-1820) - Most scholars place Hernando de Soto's army
in the Coosa River Valley at the juncture of the Little River in Cherokee
County.
Late
Historic (1832-Present) - With white expansion into Indian territory,
together with subsequent industrial development based on coal and iron
resources, the area prospered. This period of history can be considered
as adding to a further filling of many of the sub themes not adequately
represented in the National Park System.
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