During the Late Woodland Period (900-1600 AD), a well developed native culture arose along the North Fork of the Holston River. The region is nationally renowned for its marine shell artifacts, called gorgets. Approximately 80 percent of Virginia gorgets have been found in Smyth County.

Native Americans of the western Virginia frontier lived in small, dome-shaped houses often called ‘wigwams’. The wooden frame could be covered with hides, bark, or woven grass mats. A hearth inside the dwelling provided light and heat for cooking and warmth. Animal hides or woven mats were sometimes used on the tamped dirt floor.