From the Paleoindian Period of North American history, which began around 14,000 years ago, through the Early Woodland Period, which ended about 2,000 years ago, ancient American Indians came to Flint Ridge when they needed flint to make new tools to replace those that were worn or broken. These early Americans probably came to the quarries at the same time each year, and their gatherings were not only an opportunity to obtain the needed flint, but also to meet friends and relatives they hadn't seen for many months. Once quarried, the flint had to be shaped by hand, or knapped, to create a variety of tools.