Who were the inhabitants of Oklahoma 10,000 years ago?

The correct choice is Clovis, which refers to an early Native American culture known for its distinctive stone tools, specifically Clovis points. Around 10,000 years ago, during the late Pleistocene period, the Clovis people inhabited areas that included what is now Oklahoma. They were primarily hunter-gatherers, and their tools suggest they hunted large game, such as mammoths and bison.

The Folsom culture emerged later, roughly around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago, characterized by a different style of projectile points and a continued focus on hunting. While they are important in the timeline of ancient inhabitants, they did not exclusively represent the region of Oklahoma at the earliest known date.

The Mississippian culture occurred much later, around 800 CE to 1600 CE, known for its advanced agricultural practices and mound-building societies, specifically in the southeastern United States, including parts of Oklahoma.

The Chickasaw are historically significant as a Native American tribe that moved into Oklahoma during the 19th century, specifically in the aftermath of the Indian Removal Act.

Understanding the timeline of these different cultures helps clarify why Clovis is recognized as the earliest known inhabitants of Oklahoma.