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.

Six locations underwent monitoring and mitigation, including 2 newly identified sites. Recovered Precontact artifacts (513) represent lithic, ceramic, floral and faunal categories. Ceramics are associated with the Late Woodland period (AD 600-1700). The occupation date suggested by stratigraphy is over 1000 years ago. Historic artifacts (37) represent the following categories: architectural objects; glass, wooden, and metal storage containers; dinnerware; faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail for each location. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Construction monitoring recovered 7574 artifacts from the early 20th century, Protocontact (AD 1650 to 1740), and a Precontact occupation associated with the Blackduck culture (ca. AD 100 to 1400); and a Precontact human burial (dated 1375 years ago). Artifacts represent the following categories: lithics; Precontact ceramics; architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; communication; clothing; transportation; floral and faunal remains; storage, cooking, ornamental and waste containers; dinnerware. Forensic analysis and cultural context are provided on the burial. Stratigraphy is detailed by layer. Appendices include a final report on the burial by Dr. Christopher Meiklejohn and an artifact catalogue.

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.

Monitoring and mitigation of construction of Pioneer and Water Avenue reconfiguration yielded Precontact artifacts (7001) tentatively attributed to the Peace Meeting horizon (AD 1275-1295) from the following categories: lithics, ceramics (Rainy River, Plains Woodland, Bird River), floral and faunal remains. Postcontact artifacts (49) derived from the Industrial Period (1870-1989) represent categories of: architectural objects; manufacturing equipment; clothing; recreation; adornment; medicine; glass and ceramic storage, cooking, and dinnerware containers. Where possible, containers (bottles, dinnerware) are identified by manufacturer and date. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

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.

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 the expansion of south-side seating facilities yielded a total of 1155 Precontact artifacts in the following categories: lithic; ceramic; floral and faunal remains. Preliminary identification of 2 ceramic rim sherds suggests Devil’s Lake-Sourisford and Oneota affiliation. As these types likely originated a significant distance away from The Forks, the cultural horizon is attributed to the Aboriginal Peace Meeting (640 years ago). Stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

Monitoring of the construction of the baseball facility parking lot between Pioneer and Water Avenues yielded Pre- and Postcontact artifacts. The 322 Postcontact (19th and early 20th centuries) artifacts include: architectural objects; lighting equipment; food processing; clothing; recreation; adornment; house-wares; faunal remains; containers; and dinnerware. The 27 Precontact (post 700 BP, Late Woodland) artifacts include lithics, ceramics, and faunal and floral remains.