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.

Monitoring of mechanized excavations and mitigation yielded a total of 9754 artifacts, including diagnostic lithics identified as Avonlea (AD 400-700) and ceramics identified as Laurel ware (BC 200-AD 1000). Avonlea/Laurel horizon artifacts represent lithic, ceramic, floral and faunal categories. Cultural material patterns indicate several localized activity areas: food processing/cooking; hideworking/clothing manufacture; tool manufacture. Occupation was radiocarbon dated to AD 650. Other Precontact horizons were identified, however no diagnostics were recovered. Historic artifacts (21) represent 2 categories: glass and ceramic storage containers and dinnerware. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

This report states the conclusion of testing done at the Manitoba Children’s Museum, for an addition to the museum. Photographs are included.

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.

Six piling holes were drilled and each provided a similar profile, with no evidence of archaeological horizons.

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.

Archaeological monitoring of drilling involved with existing piling construction inspection yielded no material evidence of past occupations, except for soil deposition post-dating 1947 building construction.