Archaeological Research in the Glenwood Locality: Changing Perspectives

The three period scheme used by Anderson (1975) to analyze the development of Iowa archaeology is used in this paper to examine Central Plains tradition research in the Glenwood locality, Mills County, Iowa. Pioneer Investigations were primarily descriptive and indicated that the locality had been the locus of considerable aboriginal activity. The focal point of research in the Keyes-Orr Period was taxonomic and conclusively linked the Glenwood materials to cultures in Nebraska. Contemporary Period research focused on detailed analyses of artifacts and internal temporal relationships of locality sites. A greatly expanded data base provided foundations for reconstructions of lifeways and cultural processes. Key questions resulting from Contemporary Period research are raised