Archaeological Study of the Pulaski Tunnel Trail August, 2008 Conducted by: Northwest Archaeological...
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Transcript of Archaeological Study of the Pulaski Tunnel Trail August, 2008 Conducted by: Northwest Archaeological...
Archaeological Study
of the
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
August, 2008
Conducted by: Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA) in association with the Pulaski Project & the U.S. Forest Service
Purposes of the Investigation:
1. Confirm the authenticity of the adit as Pulaski’s refuge.
2. Make positive identification of the cabin remains.
3. Provide information on the technology of mining in the region.
And informally:
1. Secure surface artifacts for future study.
2. Clear the destination area for further development.
Seven archaeologists, four students & one volunteer participated in the archaeological investigation.
Forest Service archaeologists Steve Matz and Sarah Wilson (front)
confer with NWAA staff archaeologist Margie Elm.
NWAA Project Manager Lorelea Hudson prepares
study equipment.
The Pulaski Tunnel site was selected for study in an
effort to verify its use as a refuge during the 1910 Fire.
Matz performed a shovel probe at various locations.
Excavated material is screened through a 1/8 inch metal
hardware cloth.
Student Trevor Henderson screens material by shaking
the box back and forth.
Henderson assists Elm in searching for artifacts among
the debris in the box.
All of archaeology assistants provided hours at screening. Damon Reed and Britany Walsh were screening daily.
Dylan Henderson, NWAA Archaeologist works with assistant Reed on
numerous shovel probes.
Thick vegetation relinquished artifacts only after
backbreaking labor.
Continuous data recording ensure reliable study results and indications for further
archaeological study.
Archaeologist Henderson and Elm spent considerable
time and effort in accurately recording data.
One meter x one meter excavation units were
located in areas that had good potential for artifact location.
Careful mapping and measurement provide
data that can be extrapolated to the entire study area.
Systematic digging, scraping, brushing, screening and recording represent the activities normally associated with field archaeology.
The mouth of the Pulaski Tunnel was an area of high interest.
Plans have been proposed to re-create the adit entrance to post 1910 Fire
conditions based on historic photos.
Artifacts were recovered near the mine portal that may have
been used in the mining activity in this location.
The small metal wheel may have been part of a
wheelbarrow used to remove rock from the
Nicholson mine.
After screening a final few shovels of earth, all of the dirt is returned into the excavation units.
Students and professionals assemble all of the gear and the remaining artifacts for a
final transport of two miles to the trailhead.
A total of 2285 artifacts were recovered, most from the Nicholson cabin area.
Three-fourths were from architecture category.
Materials included tin roofing, nails and flat glass.
Near the mine portal, a wagon spring, sheet metal, an axe head, and a mine cart wheel were found.
Other artifacts recovered included: a watch case, stove parts, bottle glass, nails & bullet cartridges.
Results:
Pulaski Project
Jim See, President
Ron Roizen, Executive Director
Northwest Archaeology Associates, Inc (retained by the Pulaski Project)
Lorelea Hudson, Project Manager
Alicia Valentino, Project Director
Yonara Carrilho, Lead Field Archaeologist
Margie Elm, Staff Archaeologist
Dylan Henderson, Archaeologist
Seattle Office
Johonna Shea, GIS/Production Specialist
Eric Anderson, Graphics
Val Gearin, Administration
Student Archaeology Assistants
Damon Reed, Mullan
Chad Dawson, Mullan
Trevor Henderson, Mullan
Britany Walsh, Kellogg
United States Forest Service
Kimberly Johnson, Deputy District Ranger
Stephan E. Matz, Heritage Manager
Sarah S Wilson, Archaeologist
Tom Sudul, Recreation and Trails
Cleared trees on first day
Summer Recreation Maintenance Crew
Steve Garitone
Stefan Norris
Matt Kilbourne
Chris Stoddard
Adult Volunteers
Tom Harman, Silverton - (July 30 & August 3, 2008)
Linda See – T-shirts
Granting Organizations
Inland Northwest Community Foundation
Idaho Panhandle National Forest Resource Advisory Committee U.S. Forest Service
Reporters
Spokesman Review: Taryn Hecker, Brian Plonka (cameraman)
Shoshone News Press: Robert Deane
KHQ TV: Chris Wagar