Brewster site facts for kids

The Brewster site is a very special place in Iowa, near the town of Cherokee. It is an archaeological site, which means it's a spot where scientists called archaeologists dig up old things. They do this to learn about people who lived there a very long time ago. This site was once a village of the Mill Creek culture, a group of Native American people who lived in this area many centuries ago.

Archaeologists have found many interesting items at the Brewster site. They discovered tools, pottery, and even special items made from birds. These bird items might have been used for ceremonies or decoration. The pottery found here is unique because it was made stronger by mixing in crushed granite, sand, and even ground-up clamshells. In 1979, the Brewster site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical place in the United States.

What is the Brewster Site?

The Brewster site is like a window into the past. It shows us how the Mill Creek people lived. They built a village here, probably because the land was good for farming and hunting. Archaeologists study the remains of their homes, tools, and other objects. This helps us understand their daily lives, their beliefs, and how they interacted with their environment.

Who were the Mill Creek People?

The Mill Creek culture was a group of Native American people who lived in what is now Iowa between about 1000 and 1400 AD. They were known for building villages, often on high ground near rivers. These villages were sometimes surrounded by ditches or walls for protection. The Mill Creek people were skilled farmers, growing crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants for food.

What Did Archaeologists Discover?

When archaeologists dig at a site like Brewster, they carefully remove layers of soil. They look for artifacts, which are objects made or used by people in the past. At the Brewster site, some of the most exciting finds include:

• Pottery: Many pieces of broken pottery have been found. These pieces tell us about how the Mill Creek people made and decorated their pots. The pottery here is special because it was "tempered." This means materials like crushed granite, sand, and clamshells were added to the clay. This made the pottery stronger and less likely to crack when fired.
• Bird Artifacts: Archaeologists found items made from birds. These could be bones, feathers, or even whole birds used in special ways. These items might have been part of religious ceremonies or used as decorations. They give us clues about the spiritual beliefs or artistic skills of the Mill Creek people.
• Tools: Stone tools for hunting, farming, and preparing food have also been uncovered. These tools help us understand the daily activities and skills of the villagers.

Why is the Brewster Site Important?

The Brewster site is important for several reasons. First, it helps us learn more about the Mill Creek culture. There are not many places where we can study their villages in such detail. Second, the unique pottery found here gives clues about their technology and trade. Third, being on the National Register of Historic Places means the site is protected. This ensures that future generations can also learn from this valuable piece of history.

Studying sites like Brewster helps us understand the rich history of Native American cultures in North America. It reminds us that many people lived on this land long before modern cities were built.