North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Sand Creek Massacre Site, CO;
Reference: De Vore, S. L. (1999). Geophysical Investigations at the Sand Creek Massacre Site, Colorado. National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office-Santa Fe, Cultural Resources and National Register Program Services.
From May 18 to May 26, the National Park Service conducted an archeological investigation of the Sand Creek Massacre site in Kiowa County, Colorado. In addition to a metal detector reconnaissance survey of the project area, geophysical investigations were conducted on a portion of the probable village site location in order to provide an assessment of these applications to future archeological investigations of the site. Four twenty by twenty meter grids were established on a portion of the William Dawson property along the westen boundary of the village location. Approximately ten artifacts were identified and collected during the metal detector sweep of the area. Three types of surveys were conducted over this area. They included a magentic survey with a Geoscan Research FM36 fluxgate gradiometer, a conductivity survey with a Geonics EM38 ground conductivity meter, and a high sensitivity metal detection survey with a time-phase Geonics EM61 high sensitivity metal detector.
Although it would require archeological excavation to identify the nature of the geophysical anomalies identified in the magetic gradient, conductivity, and high sensitivity metal detection data sets; it is apparent that the methods are appropriate for the area of the village site. The small area extent of the geophysical investigations have provided positive data concerning the presence of buried archeological material. Should the site be placed under governmental or tribal control, it is recommended that geophysical investigations be considered as an appropriate means of evaluating the site extent and integrity.