North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Alleged Mormon Cemetery;
Reference: Steven L. Devore, National Park Service, Federal Building, Room 474, 100 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508; Phone: 402-437-5392x141; Fax: 402-437-5098; email: steve_de_vore@nps.gov and Robert K. Nickel, private consultant, Lincoln, Nebraska
During the week of August 12 to 16, 2002, the Midwest Archeological Center conducted geophysical investigations at the Daw farmstead in Lee County, Iowa. The project was conducted at the request of the superintendent of the National Park Service's Long Distance Trails Office for Technical support and assistance for geophysical investigations on the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail in southeastern Iowa. Magnetic gradient, resistance, and conductivity surveys covered approximately 1060 square meters in the front yard of the Daw farmstead. In addition, random metal detector sweeps were conducted in the yard and adjacent pasture based on previous dowsing activities of members of the Iowa Mormon Trail Association. The magnetic gradient, resistance and conductivity data identified the location of the overhead power line and buried modern utility and water lines in the yard. The location of historic and modern iron/steel artifacts were identified in the magnetic gradient and conductivity survey data. Disturbed areas were noted in all three data sets. While several anomalies and anomalous areas are related to modern agricultural activities and yard related land use of the property, others may be associated with historic use of the land. There was no apparent relationship between the geophysical anomalies and the dowsing anomalies associated with the alleged Mormon cemetery.