Archaeological Reports

Historical background covers the First Inhabitants (8000 BC-AD 1737) including the Archaic Period (3000 BC-AD 1) and Laurel (AD 1-1000), Blackduck (AD 510-1450) and Selkirk (developed AD 1000) phases; Contact (1737-1821); Transition (1821-1870); Industrialization and Immigration (1870-1888); and Railway (1888-1988). Stratigraphy of the site is detailed by layer – four distinct time periods defined by five events: Railway Period, construction of B&B Building (1888-1889); Pre-Railway/Post-1826 Flood including HBC Experimental Farm (1836-1848); 1826 Flood; Fur Trade Period including Fort Gibraltar I (1810-1816). Features and artifacts are discussed and charcoal and seed analyses are presented.

Mechanised excavation of an assessment trench yielded 176 Postcontact artifacts dating between post-1826 to the early 20th century in the following categories: architectural objects; lighting; recreation; adornment; detritus; storage containers, including medicine, perfume, and beverage; ornamental containers; dinnerware; natural objects; floral and faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue and the results of construction monitoring.

Impact assessment reports on operations yielding 309 artifacts from 4 trenches excavated by backhoe. Most date to between 1885 and 1925, with one exception predating 1880, and occasional recent specimens. Artifacts were recovered in the following categories: architectural objects; transportation; ornamental and storage containers including beverage, condiment, ink, medicine, chemical, and cosmetic bottles; dinnerware; faunal remains; detritus; clothing; recreation; lighting. Stratigraphy is detailed. Appendices include a hierarchical chart of the CHIN cataloguing format and artifact catalogue.

Assessment and monitoring of construction at the amphitheatre locality turned up artifacts from the Recent Period (post-1920) that were observed to be the result of landfill activities. None of the artifacts were curated.

This report was commissioned to provide an overview of known and potential heritage resources as part of a site development study for the area. Data are derived from archival resources and detailed reports of previous archaeological investigations in the area. Known historical events are summarized, as is the archaeological data, including identification of three locations with potential for artifact recovery. Relevant legislation is outlined, such as Manitoba Heritage Resources Act, and recommendations for heritage resources management are made.

This report summarizes the archaeological field school dig at Upper Fort Garry. There are descriptions of the areas excavated, plus recommendations.

Eight assessment trenches were excavated yielding 5417 artifacts in the following categories: lithic; ceramic; floral and faunal remains; lighting and manufacturing equipment; clothing; transportation; unknown; storage and dinnerware containers. Pre-contact artifacts (5396) include Blackduck and Rainy River ceramics, and Post-contact artifacts (21) date from mid-19th to mid-20th centuries. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail, and stratigraphic profiles are included in appendices. Heritage resource management options are presented.

Report on the archaeological investigations carried out at the future site of The Forks NHS. Includes an historical overview, project objectives and findings of historic as well as pre-contact remains. Investigations were focused on suspected locations of Forts Gibraltar I and II and included soil testing using a truck-mounted auger.

Monitoring of backhoe excavations and auger tests yielded a total of 1068 artifacts. Historic artifacts (22), all post-dating the construction of the B&B Building in 1888/89, represent the following categories: architectural objects; lighting equipment; transportation; glass, ceramic, and metal dinnerware and storage containers. Precontact artifacts (1046) represent: faunal remains; clothing manufacture; lithic; and ceramic. Ceramics are indicative of Plains cultural group manufacture, and the Precontact occupation here is estimated at 400-800 years ago. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.