North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: USTH 11 Survey, MN;
Reference: Kluth R., and D. Kluth. (1995). A Phase I Archaeological Survey of U.S.T.H. 11 from Pelland to the NE 1/4 of Section 19 (S.P. 3605-32), Koochiching County, Minnesota. Leech Lake Heritage Sites Program, Cass Lake, Minnesota. Prepared for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul, Minnesota.
From April 24-28, 1995, personnel from the Leech Lake Heritage Sites Program completed an archaeological survey along United States Trunk Highway (USTH) 11 from Pelland to the NE 1/4 of Section 19 (S.P. 3605-32). This was the first segment of a two-segment project. The remainder of USTH 11, from the NE 1/4 of Section 19 to County Road 107, in International Falls (S.P. 3605-33) will be surveyed in the summer of 1995. This survey was completed for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
As a part of this survey, Ms. Barbara Long of Rivercrest Associates, Inc. completed an assessment of the historic properties along this route. Mr. Edward Hajic of Foth & Van Dyke completed a geomorphological analysis of the project area. Mr. Philip Davis of Davis-Wright Geophysical, Inc. completed a geophysical assessment of a portion of the project area that had been reported by local inhabitants to contain two non-Indian child burials from the turn of the century.
No sites, either historic or prehistoric, were located during the archaeological survey of the project area. Ms. Long completed the historic properties survey, and noted the presence of 34 properties. It is Ms. Long's opinion that none of the 34 properties is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Mr. Philip Davis of Davis-Wright Geophysical, Inc. conducted a geophysical survey on a property adjacent to USTH 11. Using electromagnetic induction (EM), he found evidence for six anomalies, three of which appear to be small, shallow bits of metallic debris. However, the other three anomalies may be burial sites. Further investigations were not warranted, as MnDOT decided to avoid the area entirely during the reconstruction of USTH 11.
In conclusion, no sites or historic properties were located in the project area. We recommend clearance for this project.