News Feature                                                            11/8/2007

Archaeology in Fillmore County

With help from the NRCS Fillmore County staff, an archaeological testing project was completed in August of 2007. Excavations focused on a buried prehistoric site that was discovered during a preliminary reconnaissance survey for a proposed streambank stabilization project. Results of the excavation suggest that this terrace overlooking Bear Creek was repeatedly occupied on a seasonal basis over the course of several thousands of years by small groups of hunter/gatherers. The most recent level of occupation, revealed at 50 centimeters below the present ground surface, dates to the Woodland period (2500 to 850 years ago) with older and more deeply buried occupations dating back into the Archaic period (9000 to 2500 years ago). Along with chipping debris from making tools, a wealth of bone and bone fragments was also recovered suggesting that occupants exploited a variety of resources including fish, deer, and small mammals.

The site was evaluated as part of NRCS responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act. Based on the testing results the site will more than likely be considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the Field Office submitted the project for review well in advance of construction, there will be ample time to properly follow the Section 106 process for consultation with both the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office and any Indian tribes that may have an interest in the project.  The project should be constructed on time and as planned in the spring of 2008. 

For more information about NRCS and Cultural Resources in Minnesota, please contact Patrick McLoughlin at (651) 602-7907 or patrick.mcloughlin@mn.usda.gov.

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