The earliest known people that left evidence of their presence have been identified as Palo-Indians. These people hunted the mastodon and are identified by a distinctive type of spear point known as fluted points. Fluted points have been found in various places in Wisconsin. A clovis- related spear point was found at a site near Big Eddy Falls on the Wolf River on the Menominee Reservation.

There is evidence that groups with differing cultural traditions occupied Wisconsin since 11,000 B. C. These differences are viewed as regional adaptations to changing climates and environmental conditions. They could basically be the same groups of people but because they developed different types of spear points they are listed as culturally different. The exact dating of these groups is a continual source of controversy. Each time new data is found or new techniques developed it affects the information that is already known about Wisconsin. The mammoth kill site, found in 1992, which could push back the date of human occupation in the state, is a good example.

The following information is based on archaeological studies available from 1958 to the present. Like the Palo-Indians these early groups are identified by the spear-points they produced.

First came the Palo-Indians who used fluted points of chipped stone. They arrived with the mastodons between 11,000 and 9,000 BC.

Next came the Boreal Archaic group with their woodworking tools of ground stone. By 4,000 BC the climate of the area was the warmest it has ever been since the Ice Age. This in turn affected the culture of the peoples inhabiting the area. They still used the lanceolate spear-points but also used a side notched point. An outstanding innovation of this group were the woodworking tools such as the adze, gouge and grooved axe.

The last group listed during this era is the Old Copper Group, who made many of their tools and weapons of copper. This group was still considered Boreal Archaic but unique because of the use of copper.

Sometime after 1,000 BC a notable change began to occur in the Wisconsin area. Because of this change cultural tradition of groups is no longer designated by spear-points. This next traditional stage is defined by the use of pottery, the construction of burial mounds and the cultivation of plants. This was the beginning of the period called Woodland tradition in the Western Great Lakes.

Evidently this Woodland period was a time of great cultural diversity. Although, the emphasis during this era had been on the Mound Builders, descendants of the earlier groups were living in the area at the same time. These earlier groups moved north and maintained a simpler life style of hunting, fishing and gathering wild plants. The southern groups made their living by hunting, fishing and cultivating plants such as corn, squash and pumpkins.

This stage of prehistory spans a period of 2,000-2,500 years. Groups from the earlier traditions continued to live in the area in the same fashion, however some adopted the above new traits. Besides these groups there were the Hopewell Mound Builders, the Effigy Mound culture, the Oneota group and those referred to as Mississippian.

The Woodland Tradition lasted up to the 1600’s when the French explorers and traders first arrived in the region. This began the Historic stage for the Menominee's. However, before getting into this period something must be said about the early beginnings of the Menominee people.