Accokeek Creek Site

Accokeek Creek Site is an archaeological location along the Potomac River containing remains from Native American settlements spanning thousands of years. Excavations have uncovered building foundations, tools, pottery, and household items that show how people lived at different times in this area.

The location shows evidence of human presence extending back more than 4000 years, with a fortified village built around the 14th century. Systematic excavations in the 20th century documented these layers and shaped understanding of settlement patterns in the region.

Burial grounds near the village reveal how communities here honored their dead, placing copper ornaments and shell beads with the remains as offerings. These practices show the beliefs and social connections that mattered to the people who lived along this part of the river.

The site is located within a park setting with marked areas where visitors can view excavation locations and learn from displays. Educational programs and guided tours are available to help you understand the findings and their importance to local history.

Excavations here helped experts classify pottery across a large region and build a timeline for dating archaeological layers. These classification systems are still used today when dating discoveries throughout the area.