If you have ever looked at a piece of pottery, a toy, or a coin from the past, then you have seen an artifact. Artifacts are things that people made and used. Over time, broken or unwanted objects were thrown on trash piles. Others were buried by natural disasters, or covered over by new buildings. This high-interest text shows several artifacts related to American history, including toys, weapons, and documents. It explains how archaeologists use artifacts to gain information about life in the past. Inquisitive readers will enjoy delving into this fascinating way to explore our American heritage.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The importance of artifacts -- The first English settlers -- Shirts and symbols -- Jefferson and his writing box -- Whitney's cotton gin -- Ship of the Land -- Ellis Island and immigration cards -- Into the computer age -- A seat at the counter -- Wall of memories -- Survival in space -- September 11, 2001 -- Artifacts of the future.