Silver Mound, Wisconsin: Source of Hixton Silicified Sandstone

In 2006, the prehistoric quarry complex at Silver Mound in western Wisconsin was designated a National Historic Landmark. As the sole source of Hixton Silicified Sandstone, Silver Mound's landmark designation exemplifies the important role played by high quality lithic raw material sources during the initial peopling of eastern North America. An updated and comprehensive description of archaeological resources associated with the quarry complex is provided. As a compliment to the descriptive portion of the paper, we present a framework outlining the current research potential of Silver Mound in the context of the Paleoindian Tradition. Central to this framework is the integration of site specific data with analysis of the structure and organization of lithic technological systems. This research framework operates more generally as a guideline for evaluating the Paleoindian use of primary quarry areas throughout the Midcontinent.