Quinebaug River Prehistoric Archeological District

On a terrace above the Quinebaug River in Canterbury, Connecticut, five prehistoric archaeological sites preserve evidence of human activity from the Late Archaic, about 6,000 years ago, through European contact. Spread across 22 acres, the sites show repeated use of the river terrace over a long period, with especially abundant remains from the Woodland period and signs of more intensive occupation then. Stratigraphy suggests the terrace was less prone to flooding during that era, which may have made it more attractive for habitation. Stone artifacts from distant quarries also point to established exchange networks in prehistoric southern New England. The district was designated a state archaeological preserve in 2003 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

Canterbury, Connecticut · United States