North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Plum Grove Historic House Site, IA;
Reference: De Vore, S. L. (1999). Magnetic Gradient and Electromagnetic Conductivity Investigations of the Plum Grove Historic House Site, Johnson County, Iowa. National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office-Santa Fe. Prepared for the State Historica Society of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.
During the week of April 19-23, 1999, the National Park Service conducted magnetic gradient and electromagnetic conductivity surveys of a 100 by 100 meter portion of the 4 acre Plum Grove Historic House site in Iowa City, Iowa. The hsitoric site contains the retirement home of the first territorial governor of Iowa, Robert Lucas. The geophysical investigations were conducted as a partnership activity with the State Historical Society of Iowa. Anomalies identified during the magnetic gradient survey included historic artifact scatters around the restored brick house, in the southeast corner of the park, and associated with farm outbuildings south of the house. Modern disturbances included buried utility or water lines, the brick walkways, the asphalt drive and parking lot, related parking signs, interpretive sign posts and garden fence, and the chain link boundary fence. The electromagnetic conductivity data also indicated the presence of buried utility or water lines, the garden fence, the parking lot and drive, and the brick walkway. Historic artifact concentrations are also identified in the conductivity data.