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Microtopography at Pea Ridge National Park

 

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Microtopography at Pea Ridge National Park 


Archaeological remains and cultural behavior expressed through topography can be revealed using high-precision mapping techniques. Normally used as a way to visualize known archaeological sites, high-resolution topographic mapping can also be used to locate and identify morphological features in previously uninvestigated sites with the important benefit of being non-invasive and non-destructive in nature.

Between November of 2003 and May of 2004, Jason Herrmann investigated the site of Leetown at Pea Ridge National Military Park was subjecting it to a series of geophysical surveys, including microtopographic mapping.

 

The battle of Pea Ridge began in an open field just north of Leetown and raged for two days in March of 1862. During the battle, most of the nearby structures, including those at Leetown, were occupied by Union forces for use as field headquarters and hospitals to treat the wounded from the nearby battles, making Leetown the scene for gruesome amputations and deaths.

Nearby Leetown cemetery was the temporary grave site for thirteen Union soldiers. Presently, surface evidence for the location of Leetown is scant and difficult to interpret.