Hillsboro Phase (A.D. 1400-1620)

The Haw River phase is followed by the Hillsboro phase (see distribution map). This phase encompasses the period during which initial contact was made between Europeans and Southeastern Indians; however, no European trade artifacts have been found in clear association with Hillsboro phase material. Although the most significant impact of European contact probably was the introduction of Old World diseases, there is no direct archaeological evidence that such diseases reached the Siouan population in piedmont North Carolina during this early period.

Archaeologically, Hillsboro phase components are recognized by the presence of Hillsboro series pottery (Coe 1952; Davis 1987). This pottery contrasts markedly with the earlier Dan River series pottery with respect to paste, vessel form, and surface treatment, and indicates the introduction of an entirely new ceramic tradition, if not a different people. Interestingly, early Hillsboro pottery assemblages contain no Dan River vessels, whereas later assemblages usually contain net-impressed jars in addition to Hillsboro series smoothed bowls, simple-stamped jars, and check-stamped jars.

Two settlement types are recognized for the Hillsboro phase. A few sites appear to represent compact, nucleated villages. Evidence suggests that these settlements are associated only with the early part of this phase and may reflect site-unit intrusions. The best example of this settlement type is the Wall site (31Or11) on the Eno River. Over one-fourth of this site, estimated to cover 1.25 acres, has been excavated. These excavations revealed a settlement composed of circular houses and surrounded by multiple palisade lines (see excavation plan). Aside from a small number of shaft-and-chamber burials, few other pit features were found. The center of the village, though largely unexcavated, probably was an open plaza. It is likely that maximum population size did not exceed 150 persons, or 15 to 20 households.

Later Hillsboro phase sites usually are small, and are situated along the valley margins or adjacent uplands of small tributary streams. These sites probably represent small hamlets composed of multiple households. None appear to have been palisaded.

Two such sites have been excavated. The Edgar Rogers site (RLA-Am162), located on Cane Creek, contained a dense cluster of pits and postholes within a 0.4-acre area. Excavated features included eight trash-filled storage pits, a large, shallow basin containing rich deposits of ash, charcoal, animal bone, and pottery, and a single human burial located away from the habitation area. No house patterns were discernible.

The George Rogers site (RLA-Am236), located on a high alluvial terrace overlooking Alamance Creek, contained a similar array of features and artifacts. In addition, part of a circular house similar to those at the Wall site was identified. Although this site covers less than an acre, Hillsboro phase artifacts are widely distributed both upstream and downstream from the site, and most likely represent scattered households.