Archaeological Reports

Monitoring of construction on the north bank of the Assiniboine River between the Lowline and Highline Railway Bridges yielded 32, 203 artifacts. The 1620 artifacts recovered from upper historic horizons were mainly Railroad Period (1888-1988) from the following categories: architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; communication; food procurement and processing; commerce; clothing; recreation; adornment; transportation; detritus; faunal remains; metal, glass and ceramic storage containers and dinnerware. Companies, suppliers, trade and commerce are discussed. Archaic (dated levels ca. 900 & 300 BC) and Woodland (dated level ca. AD 1200) Period cultural recoveries include: features; lithics; flora and fauna; and stratigraphy.

Excavations and auger drilling for construction were monitored, yielding artifacts from a likely extension of the previously defined Avonlea/ Laurel occupation, Late Woodland Blackduck (AD 800-1400) tradition, and the Railroad (1888-1988) period. Additional cultural levels were recorded below the impact level. Precontact (1301) and Historic (29) artifacts represent the following categories: lithic; ceramic; floral and faunal remains; architectural objects; manufacturing equipment; glass and ceramic storage and dinnerware containers. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

During monitoring of soil-test drilling numerous soil horizons were observed which pre-date the railroad period. No artifacts were recovered, and minimal evidence of cultural occupation was observed.

Monitoring of installations yielded 404 artifacts relating to the following periods: Late Woodland (AD 500-1737); Fort Gibraltar I (1810-1816); Immigration Sheds (1872-1885); and Railroad (1888-1988). Precontact artifacts are limited to lithic and faunal remains. Postcontact artifacts represent the following categories: architectural objects; transportations; smoking equipment; ceramic, glass, and metal dinnerware, storage, and ornamental containers; clothing; detritus. Features recovered include brick foundations, a midden, and a Precontact occupation site. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Monitoring of three locations yielded a total of 1288 artifacts. Precontact artifacts (641) were recovered from 2-4 cultural horizons that are associated with earlier identified horizons dated to AD 1225-1285. Historic/Recent artifacts (647) are from the Railroad Period (1888-1989). Artifacts represent the following categories: lithics; architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; transportation; glass and ceramic ornamental and storage containers; dinnerware; communication; food processing; clothing; recreation; transportation; floral and faunal remains. Some beverage containers and dinnerware are dated (1904-1911) and detailed by manufacturer. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Monitoring of auger holes and excavations yielded 28 artifacts from Precontact, Homestead and Industrial periods in the following categories: faunal remains; architectural objects; clothing; floral recoveries; soil; and containers. Historical context is briefly discussed for the following periods: First Inhabitants (8000 BC-AD 1737), including Archaic (3000 BC-AD 1) and Woodland (AD 1-1737); Contact (1737-1821), including Fort Gibraltar I (1810-1816); Transition (1821-1870); Industrialization and Immigration (1870-1888); and Railway (1888-1988). Stratigraphy is discussed in detail, providing information on flood activity at The Forks over the last 3000 years. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Monitoring of installations yielded 29 Postcontact artifacts from the Hudson’s Bay Experimental Farm (1836-1848) and Railway/Industrial (1860-1988) periods representing the following categories: architectural objects; lighting equipment; communication; clothing; transportation; faunal remains; glass and ceramic storage containers; and dinnerware. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.