Missouri’s archaeological record reflects over 13,000 years of human adaptations to changing environments, technologies, and social and population conditions. Archaeologists have divided the overall sequence into a number of temporal “periods” based on identifiable large-scale cultural or technological changes. From the first European exploration to the Civil War, Missouri’s historic archaeological sites consist mostly of early trading centers (Fort Orleans), river settlements (Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, and St. Charles), and rural farmsteads. While pre-Civil War historic Native American sites are not common, tribes living in or passing through the state included the Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Iowa, Delaware, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Sac-Fox, Potawatomi, Peoria, and Cherokee. Others to immigrate included European Americans (French, Spanish, and English), and African Americans (free and slave).
Arrow Rock is a couple hours east of Kansas City. As one nears Columbia, Arrow Rock is only a few miles north of I-70. The settlement of Arrow Rock and the surrounding area of central Missouri occurred quite early in Read More …
Presently a small museum site nearby the south of the reconstructed Ft. Osage, located on the Missouri River northeast of Independence, Missouri. Jackson County Parks and Recreation plans to replace this museum with a new education center, which will be Read More …
John Peterson, the curator of collections for Jackson County Parks, and Jim Feagins, a contractor, conducted sample testing of the area slated for construction south of Fort Osage. Along with volunteers, they dug a few test squares and auger holes Read More …
The public reporting of findings certainly is a goal of historical and archaeological research. The following is the reporting of some follow-up research completed over ten years ago.
Jim Watkins of St. Joseph helps clean out the well that was discovered at the Pony Express Museum just before the museum was renovated.
Dig for artifacts resumes at Pony Express Stables
A well no one knew was there is yielding dollhouse sized dishes at the latest archaeological dig at the Pony Express Museum
Pony Express stables dig yields gems of old marbles belonging to the collection of Gloria Davis’ grandfather.
Archaeological excavation at the historic site of the Pony Express stables was conducted by Michael Fisher during the 1990s. Today, the building has been restored and is a popular museum in St. Joseph, MO. Many significant artifacts were found in Read More …
This paper demonstrates how individuals have inscribed the Natchitoches Trace trailscape with meaningful narratives via oral traditions, historical accounts and material evidence, and considers how descendent populations curate their heritage in such a landscape. Beginning at the mouth of the Read More …