Archaeological Reports

Monitoring of backhoe excavations for construction did not yield any heritage objects, but did enable the recording of buried soil horizons, indicating periods of soil formation between flood episodes. Correlation with previously recorded profiles indicates zones of potential impact for future developments in the area.

Monitoring of mechanized excavation on the banks of the Assiniboine River uncovered a total of 447 artifacts, dating between 1911-1960s (clustering around the late 1940s). Artifacts categories include: architectural objects; science; medicine; communication; clothing; recreation; transportation; housewares; floral and faunal remains; glass and ceramic storage, cooking, and ornamental containers; metal, plastic, glass and ceramic dinnerware. Stratigraphy and artifacts indicate bank-rebuilding after 1940, and a flood prone south bank. Many artifacts were from restaurants and automotive repair facilities, and where possible, bottles and dinnerware are identified by manufacturer. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Augering of 3 piling holes was monitored. Seven artifacts were recovered from the railroad cinder fill horizon consisting of windowpane glass and stoneware and glass storage containers. Stratigraphic profiles were observed and recorded.

A total of 10,969 artifacts were recovered during monitoring of Stage I construction in the East Yard at The Forks site. Postcontact recoveries represent the following: architectural objects; lighting equipment; scientific artifacts; medicine; communication; food processing; clothing; transportation; recreation; housewares; containers; detritus; and floral and faunal remains. Precontact recoveries include lithics, ceramics, faunal and floral remains, sediment samples and radiocarbon samples. Stratigraphy and features are discussed in detail. Interpretation is discussed for the following periods: Railway (1888-1988); Industrial and Immigration (1870-1888); Contact and Transition (1737-1870); and Precontact (4000 BC-AD 1737). Appendices include locational data, artifact cataloguing hierarchy, photographic plates, and an artifact inventory catalogue (the latter contained in volume II).

Auger drilling of pile holes to support new additions yielded two Precontact artifacts that could not be assigned to any specific cultural occupation. They are faunal remains (bison) and could not be associated with either human hunting activity or natural deposition. Stratigraphy is discussed, and appendices include an artifact catalogue.

This report summarizes the archaeological fieldwork that was conducted and designed to protect the existing resource of the Upper Fort Garry Gateway. Photographic plates document backhoe and shovel excavations as well as foundation features encountered.

Monitoring of mechanized excavation yielded Precontact artifacts (60) representing the periphery of encampments previously identified (correlated with a horizon that has been radiocarbon dated to 580±70 years ago) from the following categories: ceramic, lithic, and faunal remains. Industrial Period (1870-1888) and Railway (1888-1988) artifacts (146) were also recovered from the following categories: architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; clothing; housewares; faunal remains; ceramic and glass storage and ornamental containers; and dinnerware. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail, and appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Impact assessment of the site yielded 427 diagnostic historic artifacts in the following categories: architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; medicine; communication; food procurement and processing; commerce; clothing; transportation; recreation; adornment; housewares; glass, ceramic, and metal storage containers and dinnerware; cooking, waste, and ornamental containers; detritus; faunal remains. The history of 200 Main Street from 1870 to 1989 is covered, and stratigraphy and features relating to modification of historic buildings on the site are detailed. Appendices include a preliminary heritage resource assessment, photographic plates, and artifact catalogue in a separate volume.

This report outlines the research appraoch and field techniques, including auger drilling and backhoe trenching, of the inital Parks CAnada archaeological testing at The Forks site in 1984. Historic background is outlined in terms of previous archaeology and Precontact occupations. Findings at Forts Gibraltar I and II, as well as the remains of the railway, are disucssed. Accomplishments are summarised, and the potential is outlined. Appendices include layer/event descriptions for Forts Gibraltar I and II; results of soil testing; wood sample identification; radiocarbon dates; and artifacts from areas around Forts Gibraltar I and II. Numerous illustrations and photos are also included.