North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, IL;
Reference: De Vore, S. L. (1996). Results of Geophysical Workshop Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site May 22-26, 1995. National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office, Denver, Colorado.
On May 22-26 of 1995 the National Park Service's workshop "Remote Sensing/Geophysical Techniques for Cultural Resource Management" was held at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois. The purpose of the workshop is to provide instruction, to those in cultural resource management, on the applications of geophysical instruments too identify, evaluate, and ultimately conserve cultural resources.
A total of six 20 m x 20 m grids were placed in two different areas of the park. Participants were able to conduct survey with magnetic and resistivity instruments. The data collected provided further evidence of prehistoric activities at the Mississppian community as well as recent historic land use from 20th century housing development, which occurred prior to the establishment of the park. Large anomalies in the magnetic and resistance data most likely relate to the 20th century housing development. However, smaller anomalies present may be indicative of prehistoric activities that are in undisturbed portions of the former yard of the housing area.
The data collected during the workshop should provide a future framework for archeological investigations at Cahokia. Additional excavations are needed to determine the exact nature of the anomalies identified by the magnetic and resistance data.