Crews with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey discovered five house plots from the Mississippian Era at the Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro. The dig also uncovered a stone ax that is thousands of years older than the plots. It would have been used to cut trees and wood.

Gary Shafer is the airport’s manager. He says he knew the area had history, but added that the discoveries ended up being much “denser” than anticipated.

Archaeologists say they’ll continue working at the area for a few more weeks to search for more artifacts.