When the earliest Americans arrived on the continent, they first traveled from place to place in order to hunt and gather. Around 8,000-7,000 BCE, we see the first signs of agriculture appear, which would ultimately change the lives of early Americans.

Evidence suggests that the earliest Americans were nomads. That is, they traveled from place to place in search of all the goods they needed to survive. Typically the men would hunt for animals. These animals provided not only food, but their hides provided clothing and their bones helped in shelters and the development of early weapons. The women typically were the gatherers and would search for grains and foods. They were also in charge of child care, making the clothing, cooking for the tribes, and the grinding of nuts and grains.

The development of agriculture, mainly farming, began around 7,000 BCE in Central America. This was a monumental advancement for early Americans. The early Americans no longer had to travel from place to place. They could stay in one area, settle down, and establish villages. They could develop their own culture and spend time on activities other than finding food.

Some of the earliest farmers lived in the Tehuacan Valley in Central Mexico. These early farmers harvested at least 12 different kinds of corn, avocados, squash , pumpkins, and beans. The Native Americans called corn "maize." It was their most important food. Because corn was so valuable a crop, the natives thought of it as a gift from their gods.

Once the Native Americans began to farm, they were no longer nomads. They could settle in one place and build stronger houses. Groups formed village communities. More food helped people to live longer, and the Native American population grew. Native American tribes began to develop. A tribe is a group of people or community who share a common culture and land.

Farming brought a food surplus. Extra food that was grown could be saved for a later time. As food was more plentiful, members of the tribe could do other things with their time. Members of the tribe began to specialize in one job they could do well, like making clay pots, weaving baskets, or trading.