Where Have All The Women Children Gone? An Examination of Domestic Life at the Newell Farmstead (35MA41) in the Early Oregon County

Description

In 1998, Dennis Wiley (park manager at the time) first discovered the Newell Homestead site within Champoeg State Heritage Area after the field was plowed and 19th century artifacts were discovered on the surface of the ground. Mr. Wiley then contacted Dr. David Brauner from Oregon State University to conduct testing at the site to see if the site was indeed that of Robert Newell. It was known from General Land Office maps that Newell, co-founder of the short-lived 19th century town of Champoeg, had lived somewhere on the eastern side of the town, but the exact location had never been confirmed. Non-invasive techniques (ground penetrating radar and cesium magnetometer), in 2000 surface collections and 1×2 meter test pits were used to evaluate the integrity and composition of the site. Testing confirmed a significant 19th century domestic site with great potential for research into early Oregon history.