Papers by Lotte E Govaerts
Great Plains Quarterly, 2016
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2016
Many current practices in American archaeology arose from the mid-20th century River Basin Survey... more Many current practices in American archaeology arose from the mid-20th century River Basin Surveys (RBS). These surveys were part of the Inter-Agency Salvage Program, an unprecedentedly large effort to investigate archaeological sites threatened by extensive dam-building projects. RBS researchers studied mostly prehistoric sites, but the work was also a turning point for historical archaeology, especially of the Great Plains and the American West in general. The research priorities of the RBS teams were often different from the questions that are of interest to present-day historical archaeologists. However, reexamination of documents, publications, and artifact collections associated with the RBS allow us to answer contemporary questions about sites that have long been destroyed. In this paper I examine RBS research design and findings, and elaborate on how those formed the basis for my own research of sites excavated along the Upper Missouri River by RBS crews.
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2015
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Louisiana Purchase significantly expanded the Uni... more At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Louisiana Purchase significantly expanded the United States. For decades thereafter, the Missouri River was the main transportation route for US interests in the new northwestern regions of its territory. Consequently, many sites related to US colonialist expansion in the form of fur trade posts, military forts, Indian Agencies, and early US settlement, were located along the Missouri River. Several of these sites were investigated during the River Basin Surveys (RBS – a large scale salvage project that took place in the mid-twentieth century), prior to their inundation. Materials collected during the RBS are curated at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. This paper explores how these “old” collections can provide new insights into the processes by which the US expanded its influence and presence westward throughout the nineteenth century.
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2019
When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, larg... more When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, large scale archaeological surveys and excavations took place in areas to be flooded. Collections associated with these archaeological investigations are stored in repositories across the country. New information can be extracted from these “old” collections by applying new analysis techniques and by incorporating new data. Among the many archaeological sites investigated along the Missouri river in the mid-twentieth century are several sites associated with nineteenth century fur trade posts. I compare artifact assemblages from six such sites in North and South Dakota, to show how similarities and differences between them relate to local and global contexts of the fur trade, and the expanding U.S. presence in the area.
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2017
The 1803 Louisiana Purchase included most of the present-day states of North and South Dakota. I ... more The 1803 Louisiana Purchase included most of the present-day states of North and South Dakota. I study the US colonization of this area, particularly the Upper Missouri Basin. During the mid-twentieth century the Smithsonian’s River Basin Surveys (RBS) program investigated several nineteenth century historic sites associated with the earliest US presence in the area including fur trade posts, US military and government establishments, and sites associated with US settlement. I study RBS collections related to these sites, as well as the RBS program itself and the dam-building projects that precipitated this large-scale archaeological salvage effort. I have found that many analogous social processes similarly influenced colonization of the Upper Missouri Basin in the nineteenth century and its later development in the twentieth century. Moreover, these influences also impacted the twentieth century study of early settlement in the region.
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2013
Society for Historical Archaeology, 2018
The Upper Missouri Basin was part of the territory acquired by the United States through the Loui... more The Upper Missouri Basin was part of the territory acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase at the beginning of the 19th century. The Missouri River was the main route of transportation into the northwestern part of this new territory. US companies established trade posts along the river where they exchanged manufactured goods from the eastern US and Europe for furs or skins with local populations. For several decades, this was a high-volume business. In order to learn about the evolving role of the fur trade in local and global contexts, I investigate archaeological collections associated with 19th century fur trade sites along the Upper Missouri. These collections were generated during the River Basin Surveys, a large-scale, mid-20th century salvage project.
This essay examines the history and impact of Garrison Dam and its reservoir, Lake Sakakawea. The... more This essay examines the history and impact of Garrison Dam and its reservoir, Lake Sakakawea. The focus is historical issues related to dam construction, as well as the environmental and social impacts of large dams in general and of Garrison Dam in particular. Most importantly, included is an investigation as to how archaeology in North America was influenced by the construction of Garrison Dam and the other large dams on the Upper Missouri River.
Conference Presentations by Lotte E Govaerts
When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, larg... more When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, large scale archaeological surveys and excavations took place in areas to be flooded. Collections associated with these archaeological investigations are stored in repositories across the country. New information can be extracted from these “old” collections by applying new analysis techniques and by incorporating new data. Among the many archaeological sites investigated along the Missouri river in the mid-twentieth century are several sites associated with nineteenth century fur trade posts. I compare artifact assemblages from six such sites in North and South Dakota, to show how similarities and differences between them relate to local and global contexts of the fur trade, and the expanding U.S. presence in the area.
When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, arch... more When a series of large dams was built along the Missouri River in the mid-twentieth century, archaeologists from multiple institutions scrambled to save as much as they could from archaeological sites that were to be flooded by the resulting reservoirs. Among the many archaeological sites investigated in these River Basin Surveys were several nineteenth century trade posts. Although these sites were destroyed over half a century ago, their associated artifact collections can still be studied in repositories across the country. New information can be extracted from old collections by applying new analysis techniques and by incorporating new data. In this paper I compare the material remains (artifact assemblages) of several nineteenth century Missouri River fur trade establishments and discuss how similarities and differences between them related to local and global contexts of the fur trade and the expanding U.S. presence in the area.
The Upper Missouri Basin was part of the territory acquired by the United States through the Loui... more The Upper Missouri Basin was part of the territory acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase at the beginning of the 19th century. The Missouri River was the main route of transportation into the northwestern part of this new territory. US companies established trade posts along the river where they exchanged manufactured goods from the eastern US and Europe for furs or skins with local populations. For several decades, this was a high-volume business. In order to learn about the evolving role of the fur trade in local and global contexts, I investigate archaeological collections associated with 19th century fur trade sites along the Upper Missouri. These collections were generated during the River Basin Surveys, a large-scale, mid-20th century salvage project.
The 1803 Louisiana Purchase included most of the present-day states of North and South Dakota. I ... more The 1803 Louisiana Purchase included most of the present-day states of North and South Dakota. I study the US colonization of this area, particularly the Upper Missouri Basin. During the mid-twentieth century the Smithsonian’s River Basin Surveys (RBS) program investigated several nineteenth century historic sites associated with the earliest US presence in the area including fur trade posts, US military and government establishments, and sites associated with US settlement. I study RBS collections related to these sites, as well as the RBS program itself and the dam-building projects that precipitated this large-scale archaeological salvage effort. I have found that many analogous social processes similarly influenced colonization of the Upper Missouri Basin in the nineteenth century and its later development in the twentieth century. Moreover, these influences also impacted the twentieth century study of early settlement in the region.
Between its independence and the early 20th century, the US
dramatically expanded its territory t... more Between its independence and the early 20th century, the US
dramatically expanded its territory to occupy all the land within its
present day continental borders. In my research, I examine collections
generated by the River Basin Surveys, a large scale archaeological
salvage project organized in the mid-20th century in areas that were
to be inundated by dam building. I specifically study collections from
19th century sites along the Upper Missouri River in the present-day
states of North and South Dakota to learn about the US exploration and
settlement of the Northern Plains. I have found that US colonialism
was a legacy of the same social and legal constructs that marshaled
European colonization on the American continent. However specific
geographic and climatic features affected the way these processes
shaped the Northern Plains. Similarly, technological advances of the
19th century exerted their own influences. Pursuant to government and
private interest in controlling the fur trade, the succession of US
presences in the area started with private trade outposts. Growing US
activities then demanded an increase in government and military
installations that was followed, in turn, by civilian settlements.
Interestingly, the same colonialist ideas and processes that drove
US colonization and settlement were recapitulated in the 20th century
events that necessitated the salvage project whose collections I
study, and continue to be part of the US social fabric today.
Many current practices in American archaeology arose from the mid-20th century River Basin Survey... more Many current practices in American archaeology arose from the mid-20th century River Basin Surveys (RBS). These surveys were part of the Inter-Agency Salvage Program, an unprecedentedly large effort to investigate archaeological sites threatened by extensive dam-building projects. RBS researchers studied mostly prehistoric sites, but the work was also a turning point for historical archaeology, especially of the Great Plains and the American West in general. The research priorities of the RBS teams were often different from the questions that are of interest to present-day historical archaeologists. However, reexamination of documents, publications, and artifact collections associated with the RBS allow us to answer contemporary questions about sites that have long been destroyed. In this paper I examine RBS research design and findings, and elaborate on how those formed the basis for my own research of sites excavated along the Upper Missouri River by RBS crews.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Louisiana Purchase significantly expanded the Uni... more At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Louisiana Purchase significantly expanded the United States. For decades thereafter, the Missouri River was the main transportation route for US interests in the new northwestern regions of its territory. Consequently, many sites related to US colonialist expansion in the form of fur trade posts, military forts, Indian Agencies, and early US settlement, were located along the Missouri River. Several of these sites were investigated during the River Basin Surveys (RBS – a large scale salvage project that took place in the mid-twentieth century), prior to their inundation. Materials collected during the RBS are curated at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. This paper explores how these “old” collections can provide new insights into the processes by which the US expanded its influence and presence westward throughout the nineteenth century.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, the Asheville Basin did not see it... more Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, the Asheville Basin did not see its first permanent Euro-American settlement until the 1780s. Over the following century, a relatively remote mountain community transformed into the prosperous city of Asheville. Factors such
as local climate and landscape combined with diverse regional, national, and global influences such as increased industrialization, technological innovations, changing infrastructure, and various wars to shape this evolution. Archaeological and historical investigations provide insight
into the process of urbanization and the community's relationship to and position within the growing nation and the global economy. Particular attention is paid to use of space and consumer access to mass-produced household goods.
Technical Reports by Lotte E Govaerts
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Papers by Lotte E Govaerts
Conference Presentations by Lotte E Govaerts
dramatically expanded its territory to occupy all the land within its
present day continental borders. In my research, I examine collections
generated by the River Basin Surveys, a large scale archaeological
salvage project organized in the mid-20th century in areas that were
to be inundated by dam building. I specifically study collections from
19th century sites along the Upper Missouri River in the present-day
states of North and South Dakota to learn about the US exploration and
settlement of the Northern Plains. I have found that US colonialism
was a legacy of the same social and legal constructs that marshaled
European colonization on the American continent. However specific
geographic and climatic features affected the way these processes
shaped the Northern Plains. Similarly, technological advances of the
19th century exerted their own influences. Pursuant to government and
private interest in controlling the fur trade, the succession of US
presences in the area started with private trade outposts. Growing US
activities then demanded an increase in government and military
installations that was followed, in turn, by civilian settlements.
Interestingly, the same colonialist ideas and processes that drove
US colonization and settlement were recapitulated in the 20th century
events that necessitated the salvage project whose collections I
study, and continue to be part of the US social fabric today.
as local climate and landscape combined with diverse regional, national, and global influences such as increased industrialization, technological innovations, changing infrastructure, and various wars to shape this evolution. Archaeological and historical investigations provide insight
into the process of urbanization and the community's relationship to and position within the growing nation and the global economy. Particular attention is paid to use of space and consumer access to mass-produced household goods.
Technical Reports by Lotte E Govaerts
dramatically expanded its territory to occupy all the land within its
present day continental borders. In my research, I examine collections
generated by the River Basin Surveys, a large scale archaeological
salvage project organized in the mid-20th century in areas that were
to be inundated by dam building. I specifically study collections from
19th century sites along the Upper Missouri River in the present-day
states of North and South Dakota to learn about the US exploration and
settlement of the Northern Plains. I have found that US colonialism
was a legacy of the same social and legal constructs that marshaled
European colonization on the American continent. However specific
geographic and climatic features affected the way these processes
shaped the Northern Plains. Similarly, technological advances of the
19th century exerted their own influences. Pursuant to government and
private interest in controlling the fur trade, the succession of US
presences in the area started with private trade outposts. Growing US
activities then demanded an increase in government and military
installations that was followed, in turn, by civilian settlements.
Interestingly, the same colonialist ideas and processes that drove
US colonization and settlement were recapitulated in the 20th century
events that necessitated the salvage project whose collections I
study, and continue to be part of the US social fabric today.
as local climate and landscape combined with diverse regional, national, and global influences such as increased industrialization, technological innovations, changing infrastructure, and various wars to shape this evolution. Archaeological and historical investigations provide insight
into the process of urbanization and the community's relationship to and position within the growing nation and the global economy. Particular attention is paid to use of space and consumer access to mass-produced household goods.
In September of 2007 Appalachian State University Laboratories of Archaeological Science (ASULAS) was contracted by the Biltmore Estate of Asheville, North Carolina to provide archaeological survey and limited testing of an approximately 70-acre area within which project managers proposed to significantly expand upon existing parking facilities. This project area was situated north of Shiloh Road, east of the Estate’s Service Road, and west of the Approach Road. Another 9-acre wooded tract situated immediately south of Shiloh Road was also surveyed against the possibility of constructing at some point in the future a new Welcome Center at this location. By December of 2007 project plans had changed and ASULAS was asked to survey another 10-acre tract located north of Shiloh Road, almost immediately west of the Approach Road, and immediately east of that area previously surveyed during the September 2007 field effort. As part of the December 2007 fieldwork, ASULAS was also asked to investigate an area on the west side of the Estate situated immediately adjacent to the Joshua Jones Burying Ground. In this area an existing farm road passes along the southeastern edge of the small Jones family cemetery plot. As project managers plan to widen this road on its southeast side ASULAS was asked to determine whether or not any of the burials associated with the Jones cemetery may have been situated on the southeast side of the road.
During the course of these investigations, conducted in September and December of 2007, a total of three newly identified archaeological sites (31BN891, 31BN892, and 31BN897) were identified in areas situated north of Shiloh Road. In the densely wooded 9-acre tract situated south of Shiloh Road and north of the Estate’s Central Warehouse two discrete historic period dump sites (BPS-3 and BPS-4) were recorded, but were not otherwise elevated to the status of “archaeological site.” No additional work is recommended at either of these two Vanderbilt era dump sites. The low density and variety of prehistoric lithic materials observed at 31BN891 combine with its generally disturbed site contexts to recommend this site as ineligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Similarly, the shallow soils observed at 31BN897 at the easternmost limits of the project area combine with a very limited number of prehistoric lithic and late nineteenth-century historic artifacts to suggest that both prehistoric and historic occupations of this site were very limited in scope. Therefore, site 31BN897 is evaluated as ineligible for nomination to the NRHP. These recent investigations can find no objection to the proposed undertaking in the areas of site 31BN891 or site 31BN897, or in those areas at which the historic dump sites were located south of Shiloh Road.
Archaeological site 31BN892 revealed a moderately dense historic artifact concentration in and around the locus of a former stone chimney base at this mid-to-late nineteenth century domestic site. At least one prominent landscape feature (planting bed?) is still apparent at 31BN892 and, as was the case with the chimney base feature, this context was also the subject of more intensive investigation. Despite these finds, site 31BN892 remains unexceptional in the comparative sense when measured against other historic sites of this period, many of which continue to include extant architecture, as well as archaeological components. Thus, it is argued that the recent investigation of those components recorded at 31BN892 offer a kind of limited mitigation of any adverse effect to the site. However, even though the site is not recommended as eligible for nomination to the NRHP, archaeological contexts at this site have the potential to provide additional information about the history of this site, in particular, and the larger Shiloh community of which it was a contributing element. For this reason avoidance of the former house seat area at 31BN892 is recommended, or if that should prove impossible, then monitoring of any ground-disturbing activity in that area is recommended.
These recommendations however have recently been obviated by even more recent changes in project plans. Subsequent to the fieldwork associated with the December survey addendum, project managers changed direction once again and currently propose to construct new parking facilities in the vicinity of the Estate winery and historic stables complex. Thus, all earlier plans to expand upon existing parking facilities and at some point in the future a proposed new Welcome Center in the Shiloh Road project area have been dropped. Understandably, if the new parking facilities and Welcome Center are to be constructed at least a mile and a half to the northwest of the current Shiloh Road project area, then the proposed undertaking(s) will have no effect on those archaeological sites and historic resources identified during the recent survey and testing efforts. No additional work is recommended in any of these Shiloh Road site areas.
Investigations conducted in the immediate vicinity of the Joshua Jones Burying Ground (31BN898) proved negative for any signs of subsurface disturbances, soil stains, or in particular recognizable burial shafts in those areas located immediately south and southeast of the existing farm road. Indeed, a second test made down the middle length of the farm road was also negative for any signs of former burials in this area. Documentation of the Jones family cemetery in terms of completing a site plan illustrating the locations of existing burials and their associated grave stones was accomplished in tandem with the investigations conducted to the south and southeast of the grave lot. Provided that improvements to the existing farm road do not extend any further than its current limits to the north and northwest, then these investigations can find no objection to the proposed road improvements in the area of the Jones family cemetery. No additional investigations are recommended at this site.