Steubens Points are a type of projectile point first found in 1963 in Illinois.  They are arrow heads used for shooting potential food sources.  These points have also been called Lowe Flared Base points in Illinois as well as the Hopewell in the Lower Wabash-Ohio Valley. These points would normally be found in the midwestern states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. These points were used during the Late Middle Woodland during the Millville Phase between 300 and 500 AD.

 The triangular shaped blades of the Steubens Points ranged in length from 1.2 to 2 inches long.  These points are sometimes confused with Durst Points because of their striking similarities.  The sharper shoulders and the choice of material are what defines the Steubens Point from the Durst Point. Steubens Points are made of chert while Durst Points can be made of chert or quartzite.  Quartzite is a very hard sandstone that is tightly cemented together with quartz while chert is defined as a dense hard rock made mainly of silica and found mostly in limestone beds. 

The chert nodules used to make Steubens Points were often heat treated to harden and increase their effectiveness.  The Steuben Point has been divided into three separate groups; long and slender, squat and thick, and small and thin.  These groups were also confused with Preston Notched which were very similar in appearance with Steubens Points. 

“University of Wisconsin Lacrosse” MAVAC site http://www.uwlax.edu/mvac/artifactinfo/pointguide/indiv%5Fpoints/steubenmccoymonona.htm, 10/11/2000

“University of Illinois State University” Woodland Exhibit http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibit_tour/woodland.html 10/11/2000

Scott Keltner