Washington, DC Early History

First Early Inhabitants

Early history examines the archaeological record that tells the story of the first inhabitants of Washington, DC. Learn about the history and culture of the first inhabitants, and what lessons it might teach us about the early history of Washington, DC.

• 10,000 B.C. - First humans arrived by this date in the land
• 1,000 B.C. - Native-American introduction of pottery.
• 800 A.D. - Native-American introduction of domesticated plants; bow and arrow came into use.

When European settlers first visited the area that is now Washington D.C., Piscataway Native Americans lived in the area. During the late 1600s, many of the Native Americans moved west and white farmers and plantation owners settled the new colony of Virginia. In 1749, Alexandria was established as the first town in the area.