PAST WAS CONFERENCE PAPERS AND POSTERS

The purpose of this page is to provide citation for past papers and posters presented at Wyoming Archaeological Society Conferences. Most of us, at one time or another, when writing a report recalled a paper or poster given at a WAS conference that we wanted to cite but unfortunately none of us kept the conference programs.

2011 WAS Abstracts

Sheridan, Wyoming

Click here for the full program

Adams, Richards (Wyoming State Archaeologist’s Office) and Larry Mathews (Fremont County Chapter, WAS)

DATING THE MATHEWS SOAPSTONE BOWL: A WAF, WAS, AND OWSA COLLABORATION

POSTER PAPER

In 2010, professional and avocational archaeologists teamed up to radiocarbon date a soapstone bowl recently discovered at site 48SW17902. The date was made possible by the Wyoming Archae­ological Foundation. The bowl was found at what appears to be a single component, Late Prehistoric habitation site with artifacts and features consistent with occupation by Shoshone Indians. A thick layer of charcoal-appearing residue coated some of the bowl frag­ments. The residue adhering to one of these fragments was dated to 160+/- BP (Beta 282441), a date which intercepts the calibrated radiocarbon curve several times between 1670 and 1800AD. This is only the third directly dated soapstone bowl in Wyoming. We propose to test the site this summer.

Stephanie L. Bartlett and Mandy M. Klein (Current Archaeological Research, Inc.)

PREHISTORY OF THE JONAH FIELD

POSTER PAPER

Fifteen years of archaeological research conducted in the Jonah Field area in Sublette County, Wyoming are summarized. Approximately 3500 archaeological sites have been recorded pro­ducing almost 450 radiocarbon dates and nearly 275 diagnostic projectile points. These sites and their data can be used to discus the approximately 9000 years of human occupation in the area.

Stephanie L. Bartlett and Mandy M. Klein, (Current Archaeological Research, Inc.)

EARLY ARCHAIC OCCUPATIONS OF THE JONAH FIELD

POSTER PAPER

The poster summarizes the Early Archaic Period sites found in the Jonah Field in Sublette County, Wyoming over the past 15 years. From the evidence, the Jonah Field appears to have been an actively exploited region throughout the entire Early Archaic Period. These sites include many of the best preserved and earliest used living structures in the Upper Green River Basin. The chronologi­cally oldest known human burial from Wyoming was recovered from one of these Early Archaic sites in the Jonah Field.

Berg-Mattson, Noah (University of Wyoming), Mark Clementz (University of Wyoming), Judson Finley (University of Memphis), Crystal Friese (University of Wyoming), Paul Haslehorst (University of Wyoming), Jonathan Hoffman (University of Wyoming), Marcel Kornfeld (University of Wyoming), Mary Lou Larson (University of Wyoming), Houston Martin (University of Wyoming), Tom Minckley (University of Wyoming), and David Reid (University of Wyoming)

LAST CANYON - LOST CANYON

Last Canyon, although almost lost to researchers due to looting, has been found to abound with a wealth of information on past peoples and environments of southern Montana and north­ern Wyoming and by extension to contain data on wider issues of global paleoclimate. First recorded in the 1970s, the inconspicuous shelter at the southwestern edge of the Pryor Mountains contains a record of the past extending back as much as 40,000 years. In­vestigations in the last several years have revealed a low intensity human occupation over the past several thousand years or more, preceded by at least 36,000 years of occupation by various animal species that left behind bones and dung within sediment encasing other forms of paleoenvironmental data. In this presentation we re­port some preliminary results of our studies.

Black, Jennifer (University of Wyoming)

2010 ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING AT FORT SANDERS, WYOMING

Fort Sanders has recently seen pedestrian and geophysical surveying. Following this, a series of initial excavation units were opened. These included both test units over the site of the former Officer of the Guard’s House as well as cores taken in areas iden­tified as anomalies during the geophysical survey. The methods behind the excavation and the process used to select the spots for testing will be presented along with the artifacts and materials recovered from the test units.

Brow, Gale (Central Wyoming College)

48FR6761 PROBABLE 1862 SEMINOE TRAIL GRAVE AND ADJACENT SITES

During the 2010 CWC field school, students read an Ore­gon-California Trails Association newsletter telling the story of two men killed by Indians on the Seminoe Cutoff in 1862. They were buried above Alkali Creek by 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry soldiers and the grave remarked upon in several emigrant journals. One account told of a loyal dog who refused to abandon his master’s grave and apparently starved to death there. The crew decided to try to find the grave. In the process, they also recorded a number of prehistoric cairns and a vision quest circle in the vicinity.

Borges, Rachel (Central Wyoming College)

48FR6772 & 48FR6773: THE 1870S-1880S QUARTER CIRCLE 71 RANCH HEADQUARTERS COMPLEXES

The Quarter Circle 71 was founded by a wealthy Nebraska cattleman during the 1870s, then acquired by a Scottish consor­tium whose manager was President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association during the range wars. Located just downstream from the Three Crossings, the original headquarters complex of barns, corrals, and cabins was built on the north side of the river. In the early 1880s, new buildings were erected on the south side. Surface evidence at these two sites suggests markedly different “levels of settlement” that does not agree with written accounts. In addition, there is considerable evidence of illegal fencing predating the small homesteaders’ fences which so enraged the cattle barons and were used as partial justification for their assaults on the small ranchers.

Cannon, Kenneth P. and Molly Boeka Cannon (USU Archeological Services, Utah State University)

LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM RECORD IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM: SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE STINKING SPRINGS ROCKSHELTER, TETON COUNTY, WYOMING

POSTER PAPER

In southern Teton County, Wyoming, we have located a large rockshelter at the mouth of Hoback Canyon that presents a unique opportunity to recover a long-term mammalian record document­ing Quaternary paleoecological change. Hand augering in 2006 revealed evidence of intact, dateable strata likely to yield a robust

mammalian faunal record. A radiocarbon age of 4210 ± 50 yrs BP was obtained from charcoal at a depth of 90 cm below surface, sug­gesting a record extending at least to the mid-Holocene. In 2010, the Utah State University Field School conducted limited controlled excavations in two 1m2 units. Excavations produced additional evi­dence of stratified deposits to a depth of 1.9 m. Remains recovered include lithic debitage, hearth features, faunal remains, and a pos­sible large mammal processing area. Two specimens, one on Pinus charcoal from a depth of 1.9 m and a portion of a bighorn sheep mandible from 1.0 m, have been submitted for radiocarbon assay.

Copp-LaRocque, Claren (University of Wyoming)

WAS THE SINKS CANYON LADY FREMONT?

This paper will analyze the artifacts found with the human skeleton uncovered in Sinks Canyon during the summer of 2010 at site 48FR6810. Over 300 beads of various types were recov­ered from the grave, most of them a type often associated with the Fremont culture of the Great Basin. I will discuss the beads, their similarities to other sites, and possible sources or trade routes.

Elder, Bill (Central Wyoming College)

48FR6762 – 6765: THE SODA LAKES STONE CIRCLES

This series of sites contains small to very large stone circles on the leeward side of a large granite outcropping in the Sweet­water Rocks near Three Crossings on the Oregon Trail. Slab-lined hearths, obsidian flakes, and projectile points from the Late Archaic and Late Prehistoric periods were observed. In addition, a large quartz crystal (not from this area) set vertically in the ground was found at one site. Segments of original 1862 transcontinental tele­graph wire were also recorded within this site complex which is located several miles from the telegraph route.

Hahn, Ardeth (Buffalo Field Office, BLM)

MIDDLE FORK SITE RECORDING I, BLM BUFFALO FIELD OFFICE’S 2010 PASSPORT IN TIME (PIT) PROJECT

POSTER PAPER

Eight volunteers from five states came to Outlaw Camp­ground to participate in the Buffalo Field Office’s first Passport in Time (PIT) project, July 11 through July 16, 2010. Volunteers con­tributed 320 hours to updating previously recorded sites, recording new sites, and surveying for rock art in the Middle Fork Recreation Area. Four days were spent at the Middle Fork Recreation Area on the south side of Middle Fork Canyon, and one day was spent recording on Buffalo Creek, in the southern portion of the field of­fice. By the end of the week, this incredibly hard working group of volunteers had updated or revisited seven sites, identified and recorded two new sites, and surveyed approximately two miles of sandstone exposures for rock art. This important work will allow the BLM to determine eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and establish a management plan for the important resources of this area.

Hovendick, Billy (Central Wyoming College)

48FR2717: A POSSIBLE US ARMY CIVIL WAR-ERA “FORWARD OPERATING BASE” (FOB) NEAR SOUTH PASS

Long-known locally as “The Chimneys,” this site consists of several stone fireplaces, foundations, and an artificially excavated spring in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains near South Pass. The site appears to have consisted of a barracks and at least two other buildings. It contained at least one Army cot before the site was first looted in the 1950s. CWC Project Directors speculate that it functioned as an outpost to house US Army wood-cutters and stock-tenders for the garrisons stationed at Burnt Ranch and/or Pa­cific Springs to guard the Oregon Trail during the 1860s. The author will compare this site to USMC FOBs he occupied under some simi­lar circumstances in Afghanistan.

Jensen-Ryan, Danielle (University of Wyoming)

NEW TECHNOLOGIES, OLD STORIES: THE CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF URANIUM EXTRACTION ACTIVITIES IN RURAL WYOMING

Freshly coined the “uranium renaissance” by market ana­lysts, the new decade uniquely positions Wyoming as a place ripe for prospecting, exploration, and uranium mining, both using tra­ditional methods and the newer in-situ recovery technique. As the “uranium renaissance” commences, recalling the impacts of past uranium mining becomes important so future companies protect lo­cal communities and the environment. This paper discusses Jef­frey City, Wyoming, a place once home to 4,000 uranium workers who turned a simple ranching homestead into a full-blown, vibrant mining culture. The Gas Hills Uranium Mining District of eastern Fremont County, Wyoming is also discussed because it embodies evidence of past circulation and movement, as though the place had been devoured quickly and then spat out, with a midden of antique garbage left behind.

LaBelle, Jason (Colorado State University) -- BANQUET SPEAKER

LINDENMEIER AND ITS MANY NEIGHBORS: TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PREHISTORIC USE OF THE NORTHERN COLORADO FOOTHILLS

The presentation will review the Center for Mountain and Plains Archaeology’s on-going survey and testing projects on the Belvoir, Red Mountain, and Soapstone Prairie Open Spaces, owned and managed respectively by the City of Cheyenne, Larimer County (Colorado), and City of Fort Collins. Since 2006, volunteers and archaeologists from Colorado State University have recorded nearly 300 sites and isolated finds on these properties, ranging in age from Folsom to the historic era. They have also begun test­ing many of these sites, including stone circle villages, open camp sites, and plant processing locales. The results of this work will be outlined in the presentation, including discussion and comparison between the lithic technology and spatial characteristics of the Lin­denmeier Folsom site and several Plains Woodland camp sites.

McFaul, Michael (Laramie Soil Services, Inc.)

GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN NORTHEAST WYOMING AND SOUTHEAST MONTANA: IMPLICATIONS REGARDING THE ACCURACY OF 1) LEOPOLD AND MILLER (1954) LANDSCAPE MODEL AND 2) NRCS BASED GIS GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL MODELING

POSTER PAPER

Positions of radiocarbon-dated materials show the highest elevation terrace Kaycee terrace dates >43,500 BP and contains a ~10,000 BP polygenetic paleosol, the intermediate elevation Moor­croft terrace dates >5800 BP to <2940 BP, and the lowest elevation Lightning terrace dates >810 BP to <360 BP. The >5800 BP age for the Moorcroft and >810 BP is older than previously thought. A newly recognized forth landform is also present; an alluvial fan that began to accumulate along valley margins after 4550 BP and con­tinued through 820 BP. The Kaycee terrace is both a strath and a fill terrace whose alluvial fills are not as ubiquitous as Leopold and Miller (1954) imply. Thus, the Kaycee terrace’s potential to yield buried cultural materials cannot be judged solely by its aerial extent. NRCS mapping failed to recognize the three terraces of Leopold and Miller or shallow buried paleosols on either the Kaycee or Moorcroft terraces.

Munson, Gene (GCM Services, Inc.)

PIT DWELLINGS IN THE EASTERN POWDER RIVER BASIN

Three sites with pits that contain Middle Plains Archaic Pe­riod hearths and artifacts have been excavated in a four by six mile area in southern Campbell County. Whether the pits were dug by hand or represent utilization of natural depressions for house pits is open to debate. Regardless, there was a desire for partial subterra­nean dwellings around 4000 years ago in the eastern Powder River Basin.

Ostahowski, Brian (University of Wyoming)

THE PREHISTORY OF RICE CAVE: SALVAGING INSIGHT THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF FAUNAL REMAINS

Rice Cave (48WA363) is situated within the western foothills of Bighorn Mountains on the periphery of the well known Medicine Lodge Creek site. Upon finding the cave’s opening, local rancher Gary Rice discovered the cave had been heavily disturbed by loot­ers. As peripheral sites such as rockshelters and caves were ex­cavated to enhance the data at Medicine Lodge Creek, Rice Cave was excavated in August 1976 to salvage prehistoric remains. An analysis of the recovered faunal remains conducted in 2010 indi­cate that considerable insight can be gained about how prehistoric peoples used Rice Cave and what resources were available for them throughout the Paleoindian, Archaic and Late Prehistoric pe­riods.

Pierce, Greg (University of Wyoming)

THE 21ST CENTURY STATUS OF WYOMING’S 19TH CENTURY TRADING POSTS

There were 29 trading posts operating in Wyoming between 1832 and 1865. The early trading posts were integrally involved in the initial exploration of the region and in establishment of social and economic ties with local native tribes during the fur trade years. Later trading posts provide for the initial settlement of the West in providing necessary goods and services to passing emigrants. Through the 1850s into the 1860s, the trading posts were involved in Native American unrest serving as the provider of arms, location of treaty negotiations, and the focus of native depredations. These sites have the potential to yield valuable information relating to the earliest exploration and settlement of Wyoming because of this in­volvement in these historically important events. Unfortunately, of these 29 posts, only 12 have seen serious archaeological investi­gations. Every investigation has yielded data providing information on early trading activity in the state, and in some cases excavations have aided in post reconstruction and site interpretation. The re­maining 17 posts have seen no work, and many are threatened by agricultural, mineral, and urban development. This presentation will discuss the sites and their significance, look at the types of investi­gations conducted and information gained. The talk will end with a discussion on options for future work for maximizing data recovery and preservation of these threatened sites.

Reynolds, Crystal (Central Wyoming College)

48FR1270: PACIFIC SPRINGS STATION

Pacific Springs was the first water Oregon Trail emigrants encountered on the Pacific side of the Continental Divide and the site was a major landmark on the Oregon-California Trail. Count­less draft animals perished in the dangerous bogs. In 1853, famous Mormon “Avenging Angel,” “Wild Bill” Hickman, opened the first trading post here -- in a tent. The first substantial station was prob­ably erected in 1859 to house traders and stage line personnel, then Pony Express employees, the transcontinental telegraph, a US Army garrison, and others. The site continued to function as a way station and trading post until 1917, since which time it has been used as a summer cow camp. The site contains standing struc­tures, numerous foundations and depressions, a vast trash scatter, remnants of a causeway across the bog, and other evidence of hu­man activity.

Sitters, Julian Andrew (University of Wyoming)

THE MUDDY CREEK ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX

The Muddy Creek Archaeological Complex is a Late Plains Archaic bison kill, processing, and residential area composed of three sites (48CR324, 48CR325, and 48CR1737) located along Muddy Creek in the northern foothills of the Shirley Mountains, Carbon County, Wyoming. The complex reflects the presence of a sophisticated bison hunting economy and, with the presence of diagnostic projectile points, identifies the site as belonging to the Besant Cultural Complex. The abundance of diagnostic Besant projectile points and two radiocarbon samples date the complex to ~1720 + 110 B.P. The Besant culture is prevalent on the North­ern Plains extending from southern Canada south into Wyoming and adjacent states. The Muddy Creek Archaeological Complex is one of the southernmost Besant sites currently known to exist, but more importantly, the complex exhibits all identifying features of the Besant Cultural Complex, which include a bison drive lane, bison pound, religious feature associated with the bison pounding opera­tions, and a habitation area consisting of numerous tipi rings. I will review the Besant culture and the association of Besant with the Muddy Creek Archaeological Complex to provide support for the significance of the complex at a statewide and national level.

Squarcia, Cynthia M. (University of Wyoming)

WHAT WAS GOING ON AT THE FORT LARAMIE 1866 INFANTRY BARRACKS IN 1890?

Archaeological investigations at the Fort Laramie 1866-1890 Two-Company Barracks in 2009 and 2010 ended with more questions than answers, chief being what was happening inside the barracks in 1890 as the fort was being decommissioned. The adobe structure lost its roof and floor in 1893 and by 1898, the adobe clay began sealing the archaeological record. Artifacts dating from throughout the 24 year occupation of the building were recovered, but most appear to have been lying on the floor when the structure was abandoned, including over 50 shoes and boots recovered from only 10 square meters. The variety of recovered artifacts suggests the structure was used as more than a barracks when occupied by the last soldiers stationed at Fort Laramie.

Walker, Danny N. (Wyoming State Archaeologist’s Office)

NEW DEAL AND RIVER BASIN SURVEY ARCHAEOLOGY AT FORT LARAMIE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

POSTER PAPER

Fort Laramie National Monument was established in 1938. That same year, the first archaeological investigations began be­fore restoration of the building started by a CCC group from Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. Since then, River Basin Surveys, National Park Service, University of Wyoming and Wyoming State Archae­ologist’s Office have continued the work. The early projects (CCC and RBS) will be presented, with a short review of the future at Fort Laramie.

Wheeler, Joe (University of Wyoming)

FORT SANDERS: “ALL THE RICH…LANDS ALONG THE CREEK”

Fort Sanders (1866-1882), just south of present day Lara­mie, Wyoming was established as an Indian fighting post during the First Sioux Wars. The guard house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. But other than a 1995 contract to monitor a water line installation, no archaeology had been con­ducted on the constructed portion of the post. Years of pot hunting and commercial development led most Laramie residents to be­lieve little of interest remained of the site. Beginning in the fall of 2009 and continuing until November of 2011, archival, GIS, and geophysical research, followed by initial excavations, determined much more of this historic site remains than had been previously thought. This presentation provides a brief history of the site and the results of recent archaeological research.

David Wolfe and Mike Frankus, (Current Archaeological Research, Inc.)

SOURCING RESULTS FOR 408 OBSIDIAN ARTIFACTS FROM SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING

POSTER PAPER

The poster summarizes analyses of 408 sourced obsidian artifacts from Southwest Wyoming, primarily from the Jonah Field. Patterns have emerged indicating different source preferences during the prehistoric period. Trade pattern shifts are apparent in the data through time. Possible implications for changing cultural groups using or trading into the area are presented.

2010 WAS Abstracts

Casper, Wyoming

Click here for the full program

Please note, Kele Johnson and Lindsey Thatcher cancelled.

Adams, Richard (University of Wyoming) and Rhoda Schantz (University of Wyoming, Department of Family and Con­sumer Sciences)

BALANCING THE HUNTER-GATHERER EQUATION: BULBS, ROOTS, NUTS AND THEIR MEAT EQUIVALENT IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM

Prehistoric native peoples of the greater Yellowstone ecosys­tem (GYE) of northwest Wyoming were hunter-gatherers until con­tact with European culture. In this model, we employ roots and nuts known, or suspected to have been vegetable staples gathered by Shoshone Indians in the GYE: biscuitroot (Lomatium sp., Cymopter­us sp.), sego lily bulbs (Calochortus sp.), Yampa roots (Perideridia gairdneri), and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) nuts. We combine the caloric content of these crops with actualistic and ethnographic data on harvesting rates to calculate return rates. Harvest rates and the length of the harvest are used to calculate the maximum harvest for each crop. By harvesting each crop in turn throughout the harvest window, a steadily working gatherer could supply fifty percent of the annual calories. In contrast, a hunter need only take three pronghorn a month for 12 months to supply the same amount of calories. We find that the low return rate associated with gath­ered food is not incompatible with subsistence, especially if pine nuts are added to the diet.

Bamforth, Douglas (University of Colorado; BANQUET SPEAKER)

THE MAHAFFY CACHE AND CLOVIS ON THE WESTERN PLAINS AND ROCKY MOUNTAINS

In 2008, landscapers working in the front yard of a house in Boulder, Colorado, uncovered a cache of 83 flaked stone artifacts. Protein residues from genera of animals that became extinct in North America at the end of the Pleistocene, along with stratigraph­ic evidence, indicate the cache dates to the Clovis period. The raw materials represented in the cache are all from sources to the west, across the Continental Divide, and the collection likely represents a single trip across much of the state of Colorado. I will talk about the artifacts in the cache and what they suggest about Clovis lifeways.

Becker, Rory (University of Wyoming and National Resource Con­servation Service)

A GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY OF THE PORTUGUESE HOUSES SITE; A FUR TRADE OUTPOST LOCATED ON THE POW­DER RIVER, WYOMING

Portuguese Houses (48JO96) was a trading post estab­lished in 1834 during the Rocky Mountain fur trade. Antonio Mon­tero established the post as winter quarters after trapping east of the Big Horn Mountains as directed by his employer, Captain Ben­jamin Bonneville. Montero established the outpost, in part at least, to trade with the Crow in the Powder River country. The location was maintained as a trading post until 1839 when it was besieged by a rival trading company. A geophysical magnetic survey of the Portuguese Houses was conducted during the 2007 field season as a first step in documenting the archaeology and history of the site. This paper details the history of the site and presents preliminary results of the remote sensing conducted at the site.

Bies, Michael T. (Bureau of Land Management), Marit Bovee (Bu­reau of Land Management), and Danny N. Walker (Wyo­ming State Archaeologist's Office)

BIGHORN BASIN WYOMING PICTOGRAPH PIGMENTS

This poster presents the results of analysis of the pigments utilized to produce pictographs at Legend rock Petroglyph site (48HO4) and other sites in the bighorn Basin of Wyoming. This in­cludes analysis of pigments from several sources in the region and also pigments recovered from site excavations in the Bighorn Ba­sin.

Bolton, Rita M. (Central Wyoming College)

48FR2610: RONGIS STAGE STATION

Rongis Stage Station was established on the Oregon Trail near the Fifth Crossing of the Sweetwater about 1874. The large complex possessed the usual lodging and animal husbandry fa­cilities and a blacksmith shop. It also boasted an official post of­fice, saloon, and brothel, making it one of the most popular cultural institutions in the Sweetwater Valley. It quickly became a base of operations for many of the cowboys, sheepherders, homesteaders, rustlers, and ne'er-do-wells for miles around. Neighboring cattle baron John Clay, president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Asso­ciation during the Johnson County War-era, regarded Rongis as an enemy camp and may have had part of the station burned during the 1880s. It was occupied at least until the Lander - Casper stage service was discontinued in 1906. The site has been documented using historical records and photos as part of Central Wyoming Col­lege's Sweetwater Archaeology Project. The actual site location is uncertain. It is hoped to resolve this issue and locate and record the site during the 2010 field season.

Brow, Gale (Central Wyoming College)

FROM CHIEF WASHAKIE'S HORSE PASTURE TO A UNIVER­SITY RESEARCH STATION

The area at the mouth of Sinks Canyon, where the Middle Popo Agie flows out of the Wind River Mountains, has long been a garden spot. Several Paleoindian points have been discovered, rock art abounds nearby, at least one possible Archaic bison jump is known, and it was a favorite camping place for the Eastern Shosho­nes. Early settlers christened the area "Washakie's Horse Pasture." The balmy micro-environment created by the local geology led set­tlers to plant extensive orchards and grow a variety of unlikely fruits and produce. A statewide referendum about 1891 decided to locate a State Agricultural College there but the plan was killed by the UPRR. The University of Wyoming soon established an agricultural research field station at the site. Much of that primitive scientific complex -barns, corrals, cellars, dumps, dwellings, etc., is now an extensive archaeological site immediately downstream from the bison jump. The property is now owned and being developed by Central Wyoming College. The first formal effort to begin historic and archaeological documentation of the site will be initiated during spring 2010.

Burnett, Paul, SWCA Environmental Consultants

BUILDING A PREHISTORIC RESEARCH CONTEXT FOR SOUTHERN WYOMING

From east to west, southern Wyoming transitions from clas­sic high plains grasslands to intermountain sagebrush and desert scrub communities flanked by coniferous forests. This transition af­fects several aspects of the regional archaeology. This paper uses GIS to interpret major trends in archaeological inventories and site distribution across a large portion of southern Wyoming. Using a

database of over 29,000 prehistoric records within over 31,000 square miles, some regional trends in site distribution are identi­fied. Among the notable patterns is an abundance of hearths and fire-altered rock in the west, which contrasts to a high frequency of stone circles in the east.

Copp-LaRocque, Clara (Central Wyoming College)

THREE CROSSINGS (48FR231) HISTORIC SITES: A COMPLEX INSTEAD OF ONE SITE

Three Crossings (48FR231), near present day Jeffery City, was a major point on the Oregon - California Trail. Preliminary re­search conducted in 2009 indicates that "the" Three Crossings is actually a complex of at least eighteen historic sites along approxi­mately one and one half miles of river bottom. These include Pony Express and stage stations, and a telegraph station which transmit­ted the news of Lincoln's assassination. A small U.S. Army fort, and several ranch headquarters including one operated by one of the most influential "cattle barons" in Wyoming, are part of this com­plex. Three Crossings had an important role in the development of Wyoming during the migration and early settlement periods and is a vital piece of the state's history. This paper summarizes known information and discusses plans for 2010 field work.

Graves, Adam C. (Arcadias)

FOLSOM-AGED BISON MOVEMENT ON THE SOUTHERN PLAINS (POSTER PAPER)

This paper examines the trace element content of bison teeth to determine their migratory patterns. Modern and prehistoric bison teeth from the Southern Plains are analyzed to assess the interre­latedness of Bison antiquus - an extinct form of the North American buffalo - and human movements between 10,800 and 10,200 years ago. This study uses Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP/MS) to examine the down-tooth dis­tribution of trace elements in enamel of modern Bison bison from Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas to define the geographical limits and concentrations of specific minerals. In addition, Bison antiquus teeth from Early Paleoindian locales on the Southern Plains are analyzed. The modern bison enamel provides an elemental map upon which the movements of extinct herds were assessed. Bison antiquus tooth samples indicate a clear absence of longer, structured herd movements. Human adaptive strategies on the Southern Plains shifted from a moderately specialized ap­proach to highly specialized bison hunting around 11,000 B.P. The presence of both migratory and numerous residential bison herds (and therefore a predictable resource base) across the Southern Plains was likely a catalyst for specialized bison hunting.

Harrell, Lynn (Bureau of Land Management, Kemmerer), Dr. James H. Speer and Dr. Karla Hansen-Speer (Indiana State University)

THE BRIDGER ANTELOPE TRAP: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A DENDROCHRONOLOGY STUDY

The BLM Kemmerer Field Office is conducting a dendrochro­nology study of the Bridger Antelope Trap, an early historic site in southwest Wyoming listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although early settlers described the communal trapping operation by Native American tribal groups, there is no other in­formation to demonstrate the trap's age of construction, use and maintenance, or time depth. The dendrochronology study is being accomplished by Indiana State University Biogeography and Den­drochronology Laboratory, who collected 200 tree ring samples cur­rently under analysis. The samples include core and cross section samples from the old juniper wood in the fence remnants defining the trap and old axe-cut stumps in the adjacent juniper stands. Core and cross section samples from live juniper trees and sagebrush within and near the trap are also being analyzed. Samples col­lected in 2008 produced an early date of A.D. 1754 in the master chronology from live juniper. While the analysis of the 2008 sam­ples from the old trap wood was inconclusive due to the weathering and poor preservation, a preliminary estimate of the early 1800's is suggested as an outside date for one sample. The site study is continuing through analysis of additional tree ring samples col­lected in 2009.

Kennedy, John (SWCA Environmental Consultants)

METAL PROJECTILE POINT SURVEY OF THE INTERIOR WEST (POSTER PAPER)

A survey of 14 states across the interior west was begun in 2008 to amass information on Protohistoric and Historic aged metal projectile points. Preliminary results of analysis of 435 metal points, presented in 2009, suggested certain quantitative and qualitative patterns may be distinct across time and space. An update of this ongoing data collection and analysis effort is provided by presenta­tion of new results from the growing sample of approximately 1,000 points.

Kornfeld, Marcel, Mary Lou Larson, and George C. Frison (Univer­sity of Wyoming)

IS IT CLOVIS?

A cache discovered in 1976 while excavating the Laddie Creek Site consists of 16 specimens, mostly large blades, a few blade like flakes, a core, and a scraper. The cache was found on the surface under a boulder. The unusually large size of the blades immediately raised suspicions about its cultural affiliation. In this presentation we discuss the nature and characteristics of the cached items, in­cluding morphology, platforms, size and weight, and wear patterns. These variables are then compared to other caches of known cul­tural affiliation and time period to suggest the cultural context of this important prehistoric feature.

Kornfeld, Marcel (University of Wyoming) and Mark E. Miller (State Archaeologist's Office)

WYOMING AVOCATIONAL ARCHEOLOGISTS (POSTER PA­PER)

Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain west are natural for out­door activities where an abundance of artifacts has intrigued the re­gional population for decades and created and interest in the past. Although some of the earliest archeologists in the area were profes­sionals much archeology over the past century was conducted by avocational archeologists. The formation of the Wyoming Archeo­logical Society in the 1950s organized the avocational community into an organization with local chapters that conducted the first ar­cheological investigations in the state. Avocationals have played significant roles, including research, lobbying for legislation, fund­raising, and in other aspects of Wyoming Archeological endeavor. This presentation highlights several members of the past and pres­ent avocational community.

Laughlin, John (Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office)

THE FINLEY SITE: 70 YEARS LATER

Seventy years have passed since Orion M. Finley discovered the Finley Site. In 2010 the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office initiated a formal nomination of the site for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The nomination has been approved by the State Review Board and is now in the hands of the Bureau of Land Management for submission to the NRHP review board in Washington, D.C. Presented here is a history of investigations at the Finley site; discussion of the significance of the Finley site to Early Man studies; and discussion of future work at the site.

McKay, Andrew (Central Wyoming College)

2009 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES AT ST. MARY'S STATION (48FR230)

St. Mary's Station was established at the foot of Rocky Ridge about 1859 as a stagecoach stop that may have been called "Sil­ver's Ranch." It later served as a Pony Express and telegraph sta­tion. After attacks by the Shoshones in 1862, it was garrisoned by the U.S. Army. The Sioux attacked repeatedly during the Civil War and once succeeded in lighting the post on fire. When flames reached the powder magazine at least a portion of the little fort blew up. There is debate between historians, archaeologists, and local ranchers about where the station was rebuilt. At one place or another, it apparently remained in operation until at least the late 1860s when it was abandoned. Homesteaders are believed to have salvaged building materials from the site, which was savagely loot­ed during the 1960s and 1970s. The site of the burned station was re-recorded in 2009 as part of Central Wyoming College's Sweet­water Archaeology Project. The 2010 field plans call for limited sub­surface testing there, and continued efforts to locate the possible second station site.

Ostahowski, Brian (University of Wyoming)

BEVERAGES OF CHOICE: RURAL WORKING CLASS AFRI­CAN AMERICAN DRINK IN THE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES (POSTER PAPER)

An outstanding variety of bottle types, representing myriad methods of construction, were recovered from the Jackson Home­stead. A close study of beverage bottles has provided insight into an African American family's power of choice and consumption be­havior during the mid 19th through early 20th centuries in Mont­gomery County, Maryland.

Schroeder, Bryon (University of Wyoming)

THAT'S A LOT OF ROCKS: THE REDISCOVERY AND RE­ANALYSIS OF THE SHIRLEY BASIN LODGE SITE 35 YEARS LATER.

The Shirley Basin Lodge site (48AB301) saw some of the first collaborations and excavations between the Casper, Cherokee Trails, and Cheyenne WAS chapters. The site originally reported by Lou Steege to George Frison in 1967 was excavated on the July 4^th weekend of 1969 by the WAS to protect the site from heavy looting. A preliminary report by Lou Steege of the 1968 excava­tion appeared in the Wyoming Archaeologist. Seven years later George Zeimens completed a master's thesis detailing the findings of the 1968/1969 excavations. Since then the site has not been the subject of any investigations despite its close proximity to the Uni­versity of Wyoming and unparalleled assemblage of artifacts. Now thirty-five years later, under the direction of the UWAR, the 50,000 plus artifacts originally recorded by the WAS have been rediscov­ered and reanalyzed. This talk will comment on the frequency and classes of artifacts, and the broader implications the Shirley Basin Lodge site has for Plains Late Prehistoric archaeology.

Wolff, Sarah E. (Pennsylvania State University and University of Wyoming)

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL: A PRELIMINARY INVES­TIGATION OF LICHENOMETRY DATING ON HISTORIC STRUCTURES

Lichenometry is the use of lichens to date archaeological or geological events using a regression curve derived from using size of the lichen to predict the age of the lichen, and hence, the age of the exposed substrate to conditions fostering lichen growth. In this preliminary investigation, I explore the possibility of using li­chenometry in historic archaeology, focusing on two contrasting ap­plications of lichenometry to historic archaeology to determine age of structures. First, I will focus on the use of lichenometry in the Southeastern plains of Wyoming on historic structures. Second, I will contrast the application of lichenometry in the west to the use of lichenometry on historic stone structures in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. By comparing and contrasting these two areas, I will demonstrate the appropriate application and potential of using li­chenometry to date historic structures.

Wolff, Shana M. (Laramie County Community College)

AN ANALYSIS OF PLANTS TRADITIONALLY USED BY PLAINS INDIANS AS TOPICAL ANTISEPTICS FOR ANTIMICRO­BIAL EFFECTIVENESS

The purpose of this study was to examine the laboratory effec­tiveness of Plains Indian plant remedies traditionally used as topical antiseptics to prevent or treat infections of the skin. My hypothesis was some of these plants would display significant antimicrobial activity in the laboratory, in vitro. I used 30 different medicinal plants known to have been used by Plains Indians for antiseptics found growing in and near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The sterile plant extracts were then tested against 9 different bacteria and one yeast, using the Kirby-Bauer Antibiotic Disc Assay technique. After incubation, the plates were examined and any zones of bacterial inhibition, indi­cating antimicrobial activity of plant extracts, were measured. From this series of experiments I concluded 50% of the native plants iso­lated from southeast Wyoming historically used by Plains Indians as topical antiseptics did indeed exhibit some antimicrobial proper­ties in vitro. Most of the plants thus would inhibit or kill bacteria just as effectively in vivo, and would be beneficial in preventing and/or treating infections of the skin and mucous membranes.

Woodward, John P. (University of Wyoming)

STAGE COACHES AND SOLDIERS: PROSTITUTION ALONG THE CHEYENNE AND BLACK HILLS STAGE AND EX­PRESS ROUTE

Following the American Civil War, thousands of people flood­ed the West looking for new opportunities and a chance for a fresh start. Natural resources, such as coal and precious metals, built overnight boomtowns and prostitution and vice flocked to these new communities. However, many of these communities lacked a rail head and thus depended on stage and wagon routes to bring in people and supplies. The communities growing in the Black Hills following the discovery of gold in 1874 were no different. Set up by both public and private entities, the Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage and Express route became the major transportation artery into the Black Hills, developing the necessary infrastructure, includ­ing relay stations. These stations, particularly those close to Fort Laramie, became centers of "recreation" for travelers and soldiers, but also served the logistical needs of the stage line. Prostitution at these "hog ranches" represented the adaptation an urban oc­cupation to rural life and illustrated the continuing economic ties developing in Wyoming.

2009 Abstracts
Cody, Wyoming
Click Here For the Full Program.

Bies, Michael T. (Worland Field Office, Bureau of Land Management) and Danny N. Walker (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)

LEGEND ROCK: Things Are Different Here!

This paper will summarize the results of the 2008 Legend Rock Pit Project. This was a cooperative project involving the BLM, OWSA, and the Wyoming Archaeological Society and was the result of the efforts of the Legend Rock Advisory Group to improve the protection and visitor interpretation at Legend Rock. The goal of the project was to record the rock art on BLM and private land at Legend Rock. The results have increased the complexity of interpreting the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site (48HO4). The findings will also be compared to other sites in the Wind/Bighorn River valleys. The importance of this sort of cooperative effort for future work at other sites will be presented.

Bradshaw, Kayla (University of Wyoming)
Two Moon Shelter: The Folsom Component

Two Moon (48BH1827), a rock shelter in the Bighorn Mountains of north central Wyoming has been under excavation for the past fifteen years and has yielded three Paleoindian components (Folsom, Mountain Foothill and Pryor Stemmed), as well as an overlying Archaic occupation. This presentation focuses on the earliest component, the Folsom occupation, which pre-dates 10,060 +/- 60 RCYBP based on a radiocarbon assay. Excavations have yielded the following artifact classes; bone, chipped stone, gastropod, ground stone, ocher, and rock. This presentation discusses the spatial distribution of chipped stone and rock within the Folsom component. Evidence of cultural behavior is inferred from the analysis and will be discussed.

Clingerman, Gina (University of Wyoming)

The Future of Public Archaeology in Wyoming

There is a continued need for public outreach concerning Wyoming archaeology. Various avenues are outlined to bring archaeology to the public's attention through creative learning environments and personal exposure to archaeological sites and data. A review of various programs that can garner the public's interest concerning Wyoming archaeology is presented, followed by a discussion on ways archaeologists can educate and involve public schools in archaeological studies. I will also present how I plan on reaching the public in my own community after I leave the University of Wyoming to further their knowledge and appreciation of archaeological resources in an attempt to raise awareness and establish working relationships between the general public and professional archaeologists.

Cole, Sally (Rock Art Researcher)

Interior Line Style--Related Petroglyphs and Rock Paintings of Northwest Colorado and Northeast Utah

Anthropomorphic imagery of the Green and Yampa river drainages in northern Utah and Colorado has stylistic attributes of Wyoming Interior Line Style and Archaic-based styles of the Colorado Plateau. The subject expressions appear rooted in hunter-gatherer traditions of both mountains and desert and may signify a south-north or vice versa exchange of ideas and peoples over time. Chronological overlaps and continuities with Basketmaker II and Fremont imagery on the plateau are also suggested.

Collins, Michael B. (Texas Archeological Research Laboratory)
Clovis Art and Archaeology at the Gault Site, Texas

An unusually large and complex Clovis component at the Gault Site in Central Texas has yielded an array of stone tools, copious debris from stone tool manufacture and maintenance, bones of diverse animals, and engraved plaquettes. From this evidence it is clear that the Clovis inhabitants of the region were generalized foragers who repeatedly occupied the site over several centuries. Clovis folk were not the first peoples in the Americas, nor were they the first foragers in Central Texas--there is an earlier component in one area of the site containing cultural materials of a different technology. BANQUET TALK

Collins, Michael B. (Texas Archeological Research Laboratory), D. Clark Werneke (Texas Archeological Research Laboratory), and James Advoasio (Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute)
Documenting and Interpreting the Engraved Stones from the Gault Site, Texas More than 100 stones with incised lines have been recovered from the multi-component Gault Site in Central Texas. Most of these are organized engravings on small limestone pebbles, but 1 in 3 appear on the soft cortex of pieces of chert. Geometric designs prevail and almost all were executed with very fine, delicate lines--so fine, in fact, that they are easily overlooked by anyone not consciously examining stones for them. Gault was mercilessly plundered for over 80 years, leaving deposits younger than about 8,500 years almost totally disturbed. Older deposits that date between 8,500 and at least 14,000 BP are almost entirely intact. Engraved stones have been recovered and documented from intact deposits of pre-Clovis, Clovis, Folsom, Wilson, Late Paleoindian, and Early Archaic ages. Many more are from disturbed deposits containing a mix of Early, Middle, and Late Archaic as well as Late Prehistoric ages; these were overlooked by the relic-hunters who dug them up. Similar objects of portable art are found around the World and cover a long time span, probably 70,000 years. Interestingly, in the Paleolithic of Europe and Africa early stone engraving is found on the cortex of chert nodules that were subsequently reduced as cores. At Gault, the earliest engravings are on small, cortical chert flakes knapped from engraved cores or on the cores themselves.

Driver, Ragan A. (University of Wyoming)

An Analysis of Human Trampling of Bone in Different Depositional Environments

Taphonomic studies have been a significant part of the analysis of archaeological sites for quite some time. Given what is known about carnivore modification of bone as well as trampling of lithic material, one may ask if the repeated trampling of bone by humans may produce similar modifications. While previous studies have in fact described the physical and spatial modification of trampling, not much has been observed concerning the differences in markings and modifications of faunal material trampled in different depositional environments. Therefore, cranial bones were crushed, scattered, and trampled in three different depositional environments in order to determine if a difference in soil composition would affect modifications to bone.

Eakin, Daniel H. (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)

2008 Investigations along the Nez Perce Trail, Yellowstone National Park

2008 marked the first year of a three-year project to identify and investigate sites formed during the Nez Perce War of 1877 along portions of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail within Yellowstone National Park. Three study areas were investigated including the Helena Party Attack Site, areas around Highland Hot Springs/west edge of Hayden Valley and areas along the east boundary of Yellowstone Park near the headwaters of the Lamar River. Fifteen sites were documented, three of which may relate to the events of 1877.

Francis, Julie (Wyoming Department of Transportation)

Legend Rock: Its Place Within "Dinwoody" Rock Art

The Legend Rock Site has played a pivotal role for research concerning the Interior-lined style or, as more broadly defined the Dinwoody tradition, for over one-half century. This paper takes an historical perspective into rock art research at Legend Rock and related sites and examines classification schemes used to study formal and spatial variation of interior-lined figures across the Intermountain West. It is argued that Legend Rock forms the foundation of the Dinwoody "tradition" specific to western Wyoming and that this tradition reflects the easternmost expression of the evolution of Numic shamanistic systems across the Intermountain West.

Greer, Mavis and John Greer (Greer Consulting)
Horses: Late Aboriginal Use of the Legend Rock Site

Horses abound in the rock art of Wyoming, which makes their paucity at the large Legend Rock site intriguing. The limited presence of horse petroglyphs, their limited stylistic variation, and non-association with most panel compositions indicate that horses are late additions to overall site use, placed here by a different cultural or social group. Although horses are not integrated into other scenes, their presence shows function of Legend Rock was not uniform through time, although horses, like the other figures, confirm that all aspects of the site have ties to other rock art sites in the Big Horn Basin.

Johnson, Kele (University of Wyoming)
The Daughters of Maka: The Changing Roles of Lakota Women in Society from Pre-European Contact to Post-Colonization

The roles of Native American women in society altered irrevocably from the pre-contact period to the post-contact period. In my paper, I will focus on the changing of women's roles in Lakota society within this time frame by addressing three social aspects within Lakota society. These aspects consist of spiritual, gendered division of labor, and material culture. Focusing on these three areas of Lakota society has the potential to contribute significant information regarding the cultural changes that occurred within Lakota society and the impact these changes had on the Lakota woman's role within her community.

Ketron, Caroline V. (University of Wyoming)
Colonization and Clovis Exotics

Researchers have long suggested Clovis projectile points made on exotic lithic raw materials represent people moving great distances. Specifically, individual cases of long distance transport have been cited as evidence of large foraging ranges. Some of these models have suggested the distribution of exotic Clovis artifacts indicates directional patterns of movement, posited to be the result of a rapid initial colonization of the Americas. This paper presents preliminary findings based on a continent-wide sample of Clovis lithic artifacts. Spatial relationships among raw material sources and lithic artifact distributions are analyzed at large scale to assess rapid colonization models.

Keyser, James D. (Oregon Archaeological Society)

No Water Rock Art: Crow and Shoshone Petroglyphs in the Southern Bighorn Basin

Carved on a sandstone hogback ridge in the driest part of the southern Bighorn Basin is a remarkable rock art record attesting to the spiritual use of this area by both Shoshone and Crow people for more than 500 years. The earliest image is a Shoshone water ghost "pa:unha in their language" that represents the use of this place by a Late Prehistoric period shaman. The next artists to use the site were women, carving their images to petition the spirit world for power that would enable them to fulfill their culturally sanctioned roles as producers of life and providers for the family. Shoshone women probably used the site, but the imagery clearly indicates that it was a special place to women of the Crow tribe, which had recently immigrated into the area after splitting from their Hidatsa relatives. Eventually Crow use became dominant at the site, and warriors recognized it as a place to record their brave deeds accomplished in the intertribal wars that characterized the region's Historic Period.

Lahren, Larry (Anthro Research)
Assume Nothing: Recent Experiments in the Procurement of Bison with the Bow and Arrow and Atlatl

Recent experiments in the procurement of bison and elk with aboriginal bows and the atlatl illustrate some of the problems associated with the effectiveness of these weapons in real life hunting situations. Based on the current experiments, it appears that it cannot be assumed that projectile point metrics (size) determine the difference between bow and arrow and atlatl projectile points. Other conclusions about projectile point breakage, penetration, and hunting methods and techniques to "make the shot" are presented.

Laubser, Jannie (Stratum Unlimited)
Graffiti Removal and Re-integration at Legend Rock: A Comparative Perspective

Graffiti removal and re-integration should ideally not proceed automatically, bearing in mind that graffiti has to be assessed first in terms of the associated site's significance values (spiritual, recreational, and research), physical conservation conditions, and management background. The amount, extent, and techniques of removal are also contingent on context and history of site use. In the same way that archaeologists talk about pictograph or petroglyph traditions, conservators can usefully look at the tradition of graffiti at particular sites. Consultation with stakeholders is of critical importance, not only to understand the occurrence of graffiti at a site, but also to decide on the best ways to remove and re-integrate graffiti as well as the most suitable and effective site management strategies to minimize future application of graffiti.

Loendorf, Larry (retired archaeologist)
Shields and Shield-bearing Warriors: What we thought we knew, but did not!

Shields and shield-bearing warriors are a commonly recognized rock art motif in Montana and Wyoming. At some sites they constitute more than half the images while at others they are represented by a single image or two. Legend Rock is an example of a site where there are only one or two of the figures. Shield-bearing warriors have been classified by the techniques used to manufacture them and their age. One variety, the Castle Gardens style, is distinctly made with a combination of smoothing, incising and painting. Based on radiocarbon ages of tools used to make them, Castle Garden style figures were believed to be among the oldest in the region. Recent research at the Valley of the Shields site in Montana suggests that the figures may be more recent than previously believed.

Matthews, Neffra and Tom Noble (Resource Technology Section, National Operations Center, Bureau of Land Management, Denver)
An Overview of Close-range Photogrammetric Documentation at the Legend Rock Archeological site, WY

Close-range photogrammetric documentation was first tested at Legend Rock in August of 2006. Based on the excellent results of that test a plan was developed and approved by the Legend Rock Interdisciplinary Team to photograph the entire cliff face as well as all of the individual panels present at the site. In the spring of 2007 imaging of the cliff and high resolution real-time kinematics GPS coordinate collection took place. Later that year, during an archeological survey of the site, panels along the State managed portion of the site were imaged by Dr. Danny Walker. In June of 2008 the remainder of the rockart panels were photographed during a Passport in Time (PIT) project sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management. The PIT provided a 2 week opportunity for volunteers to learn and participate in rock art documentation techniques, including close-range photogrammetry. Now, at the end of 3 years the entire cliff face has been imaged and virtual models, with a 2 cm image resolution, for portions of the site have been created. In addition, all of the known panels on the entire 3/4 mile long cliff have been photographed, many to a 0.5 mm image resolution. From this work, selected panels have been processed into virtual 3d visualizations and integrated into the over all cliff face model. An overview of these accomplishments, as well as technological advancements and challenges will be presented.

Sundstrom, Linea (affiliation)

Grandmother's Album: What Rock Art Can Tell Us about Ancient Plainswomen

Rock art from the northern Plains provides a window into indigenous women's lives from the Early Archaic period through the early contact era. Viewed through the prism of other archaeological data and historic accounts of Plains Indian life-ways, these pictures show that women were active participants in hunting and religious activities, as well as providing their societies with children. Many religious beliefs centered on female spirit-beings such as Double-Woman, Old Woman Who Never Dies, and Water Ghost Woman.

Surovell, Todd (University of Wyoming), Danny N. Walker (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office) and Mark E. Miller (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)

An Incised Mammoth Tusk from the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming and Clovis Occupations in the Basin

In 2008, an incised mammoth tusk fragment was donated to the University of Wyoming Archaeological Repository after being found several years before in the southern Bighorn Basin. Initial site analysis suggests the location could date to the terminal Pleistocene, thus Clovis in age. Three AMS samples have been submitted for dating of the terrace from which the tusk eroded. If the site is Clovis age, it would be the second Clovis site with mammoth from the Bighorn Basin, only 24 miles south of the Colby site near Worland. George Frison's contribution to Clovis studies includes five of the six excavated Clovis/Goshen sites in Wyoming.

Thibodeau, Todd (Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites)
Administrative History of Legend Rock State Archaeological Site

The Legend Rock State Archaeological Site was established by the State of Wyoming in 1973. This 30 acre site has some of the most significant petroglyphs in the region. Due to its importance numerous groups and individuals have provided input on management of this site. This talk will focus on the administrative history of Legend Rock; specifically, developing partnerships, how decisions are rendered, what have been done and proposed developments for the future.

Tratebas, Alice (Bureau of Land Management Newcastle Field Office)
Old Animal Traditions

Early Hunting rock art as defined by David Gebhard focused on herds of small solid pecked animals. The style definition does not fit the oldest Legend Rock animals, which are outline pecked and differ in other attributes as well. Early Hunting petroglyphs that meet the Gebhard definition occur at scattered sites in western Wyoming and in the Black Hills. Statistical analysis confirms that Early Hunting petroglyphs and the oldest Legend Rock animals belong to two different rock art traditions. The fact that both traditions began more than 10,000 years ago suggests that regional cultural divisions were already present at the end of the Pleistocene.

Vlcek, David T. (Pinedale Field Office, Bureau of Land Management)
Past and Present Perspectives in the Puuc Region, Southern Yucatan

The Puuc region of southern Yucatan was first explored archaeologically by John Lloyd Stevens and Frederick Catherwood in the 1840's. German, British and American archaeologists worked "in the Puuc" during the subsequent 140 years. In the 1970's, the author conducted archaeological reconnaissance in the Puuc for the Archaeological Atlas of Yucatan Project and returned to this area in 2008-09 for more formal and structured inventory. This presentation introduces the Puuc through the eyes of Stevens and Catherwood in the 1840's and presents goals and accomplishments of the twenty-first century project.

Walker, Danny N. (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
Archaeological Excavations at Legend Rock State Archaeological Site, Wyoming, 1988-2007

Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site has been known to the professional community, apparently since 1876 when a rock art site was described by an Army survey that appears to be Legend Rock. Dozens of researchers have recorded and published on the rock art since then. Real archaeological studies began in 1983 with a pedestrian survey over the State Park acreage, followed by excavations in 1988 and 2007. These excavations have revealed extensive terrace deposits in front of the cliff face containing small scale cultural occupations of several undetermined time periods, with dated occupations centering between 1000 and 2000 yrs BP. These terrace deposits continue to hold extensive evidence of the cultural occupations at Legend Rock and may eventually answer questions about the age of the rock art itself.

The Coso Connection

Stylistic similarities between the Dinwoody, WY, and Coso Range, CA, petroglyphs have been noted for decades. Ethnographic analyses combined with recent fieldwork in the Cosos amplify our understanding of this stylistic relationship. These show that shamans traveled from wide distances to conduct vision quests in the Cosos, including at least from NE Utah. The motifs they created, as we have recently discovered, included not just the typical Coso boat-shaped sheep and patterned body anthropomorphs, but also bison-headed humans, thunderbirds and other images more typical of the northern Plains, if not the Bighorn Basin. The implication is that these "regional styles" were in fact "international" phenomena, reflecting wide-ranging beliefs and practices rather than just local cultures.

2008 Abstracts
Rock Springs, Wyoming

Adams, Richard (Office of Wyoming State Archaeologist)
NUTS AND ROOTS: THE STAPLES OF PREHISTORIC CUISINE IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM

Prehistoric native peoples of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem of northwest Wyoming remained hunter-gatherers until contact with European culture and never practiced agriculture. Of the many foods important to prehistoric people, I focus on two gathered vegetable staples that were particularly relevant to Late Prehistoric Shoshone Indians. Pine nuts supplied nearly all of the calories in the winter diet of some prehistoric Great Basin Shoshonean Indians. In 1806 by Meriwether Lewis observed Northern Shoshone women digging and processing biscuitroot for the winter. In this presentation, I envision a subsistence system where these two staples, combined with meat, form the basis of a Late Prehistoric Shoshone diet. Combining macro-nutritional composition (carbohydrate, protein, fat, calories) with actualistic and ethnographic data on harvesting practices, I calculate just how long the women of a band of people would spend harvesting these foods to make it through a Wyoming winter.

Eakin, Daniel (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
BIGHORN SHEEP TRAP DOCUMENTATION AND INVESTIGATION DURING 2006AND 2007.

Discoveries made in burned out forest areas of northwest Wyoming during the 2004 and 2005 field seasons have revived interest in bighorn sheep traps, the Shoshonean groups that made and operated them, and concerns related to long term management objectives for traps and related sites. In response to these concerns, 2006 and 2007 fieldwork assumed a historic preservation orientation whereby trap locations were GPS mapped, photographed and videotaped, with permanent datum markers installed at catch pens and wing termini. In addition, attempts were made to locate several reported drivelines and one reported treeengulfed sheep skull. These actions resulted in the "discovery" of a previously known site where wildfire has exposed a well-preserved bighorn sheep processing area that probably resulted from nearby trapping activities.

Eckerle, William and Sasha Taddie (Western GeoArch Research)
ACCESS TO GAME VS. EDIBLE PLANTS AS A SETTLEMENT DETERMINANT DURING THE EARLY HOLOCENE IN THE GREEN RIVER BASIN: A MACROPHYSICAL CLIMATE MODEL VIEW WITHIN AN ECOLOGICAL SITE FRAMEWORK

Macrophysical climate model data used within an ecological site framework helps predict change in resource structure in the Green River Basin during the Early Holocene. The distribution of forage productivity, a proxy for game availability, as well as the occurrence of 7 edible plant resources are mapped against the locations of 5 Early Holocene archaeological sites. The analysis suggests that during both wetter and drier intervals settlement occurs in locations that have access to both game and edible plant resources. However, when conditions are dry, settlement tends to optimize access to good grazing, presumably to increase encounters with game animals. (POSTER PAPER)

Dudley Gardner (Western Wyoming College)
THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IN THE SOUTHERN WYOMING BASIN; 800 TO 1200BP

The question of how far north maize cultivation extended into the Wyoming Basin is slowly being answered. This paper will look at storage facilities and macrofloral remains from excavations in the southern Wyoming Basin and discuss the formative periods dietary preferences in the region. In this paper we will primarily focus on the plant resources but we will also look at the faunal remains recovered from sites dating to this period.

Greer, John and Mavis Greer (Greer Consulting)
EVALUATING RITUAL USE OF CAVES IN WYOMING AND MONTANA

Ritual cave use on the Northwestern Plains is evidenced by distinctive rock art and artifacts, micro-botanical remains, complete painting of caves, use of special settings, and cave modification. Ritual use consists of shaman activity, personal or group ceremony, and vision questing and is distinct from daily subsistence use or biographic recording. Prehistoric activity in the central and western mountains concentrated especially on rockshelters and enclosed caves, while eastern areas more commonly utilized open bluffs and rockshelters within a general plains environment. All kinds of sites were used for ritual activity, from daylight settings in front of slight overhangs to dark zone settings deep within cavern systems.

Greer, Mavis and John Greer (Greer Consulting)
WEAPONRY IN WYOMING AND MONTANA ROCK ART

Weapons are often shown with humans and animals in Northwestern Plains rock art, and panel context suggests uses related to hunting, warfare, and ceremony. Arrows or spears are most frequently shown and occur by themselves, penetrating humans and animals, or associated with bows. Bows and arrows appear in both hunting and warfare scenes, while lances are usually in more static ceremonial context. Unlike the Southwest and Great Basin, portrayal of the atlatl is rare in Wyoming and Montana, and guns, at the other end of the chronology, are also uncommon. Stylistic variation in weaponry may be more a function of artistic portrayal than changes through time in these weapons, although there is surprising uniformity from northern Montana to southern Wyoming in style. However, clusters of particular kinds of scene content of weapon types may relate to status within a culture as well as cultural indicators.

Hahn, Ardeth (ARCADIS, U.S. Inc.)
NEWLY RECORDED SITES IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN

During the 2006 and 2007 field seasons, ARCADIS, U.S. Inc. conducted several Class III surveys in the Powder River Basin. The opportunity to survey land on and around the Pumpkin Buttes revealed a variety of new sites, including bison bone beds, stone circles, cairns, a stone wall, and an Agate Basin camp site. Several interesting sites are discussed along with implications for future research in the area.

Keyser, James D. (USFS, retired)
POWDER WASH: HORSES IN WESTERN WYOMING

Horses are a much more common subject in the rock art of Western Wyoming than has been previously known. Examples occur throughout the Bighorn Basin and southwestward into the Green River Basin. Artists responsible for these include Crow, Shoshone, and Ute (and probably others). The site complex at Powder Wash, southeast of Rock Springs on the Wyoming-Colorado border has been the subject of study for 15 years. The most recent investigation suggests that it originated as a redoubt for Ute horse raiders coming out on the Northern Plains in the last decades of the 1800s. (BANQUET SPEAKER)

Koenig, Orrin (University Of Wyoming) and Adams, Richard (Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist and University of Wyoming)
INTRA-SITE VARIABILITY AT HIGH RISE VILLAGE

The High Rise Village (HRV), in Wyoming's Wind River Range, is a Late Prehistoric village consisting of collapsed wooden structures, prepared lodge floors, chronologically diagnostic chipped stone tools, modified steatite and groundstone artifacts occurring at 3261 m (10,700 feet) above sea level. This summer we recorded 34 prepared lodge floors and tested four of them. Preliminary analyses of lodge outlines and lodge contents suggest variability in floor plan size, shape and placement, and artifact assemblages. This presentation examines the structural and spatial variability of living floors observed at this unique high altitude site.

Lynch, Elizabeth Marie (University of Wyoming)
ARE YOU WHAT YOU EAT? DIETARY INFERENCES AND DENTAL ADAPTATION OF SMALL BODIED APES FROM THE EARLY AND MIDDLE MIOCENE OF KENYA

Fossil rich formations from the Miocene (23 to 14 Ma) reveal a diverse array of ape-like and monkey-like species. Geologic events and regional climate changes transformed primate habitats in Africa from continuous tropical forests to a patchy woodland environment. These changes likely increased competition for similar resource patches and favored species that exploited a wide range of resources or relied on fallback foods. This trend is seen among small-bodied apes where dental adaptive traits indicate a shift from diets consisting of mainly fruits and hard seeds, to one reliant on leafy matter. Dental microwear analysis shows the foods consumed and tests if these apes ate the foods they were adapted to eat. I examined the microwear from seven species of small-bodied apes from Kenya. Results indicate earlier species consumed a more diverse diet than predicted by their tooth form and that diet shifted gradually.

Mullen, Patrick Orion (University of Wyoming)
THE EFFECTS OF THE YOUNGER DRYAS ON PALEOINDIAN POPULATIONS

The Younger Dryas was one of several brief returns to a colder climate following the last glacial maximum and the only one that people were certainly present in the New World to experience. I have hypothesized that this cold period depressed Paleoindian populations in Wyoming while they flourished in New Mexico and that the opposite was true in the following warm period that ended the Paleoindian era. For my master's thesis, I am testing these hypotheses by evaluating (1) the ratio of Younger Dryas to Early Holocene age sites in the two states to look at changes in demographics, (2) extant paleoclimatic data to determine the extent of climate changes in the study areas, and (3) zooarchaeological evidence of food stress that may have been caused by climate changes and led to a depression in demographic growth. In this presentation, I will present preliminary findings.

Ridenour, Dora I. (University of Wyoming)
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK STATUS FOR WARDELL (48SU301) � THE EVALUATION PROCESS, AND POTENTIAL MEANING TO PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY AND EDUCATION

Located in the Green River Basin of southwestern Wyoming on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wardell Buffalo Trap (48SU301) is a Late Plains Archaic bison kill site demonstrating the combined use of a box canyon with a man-made corral for entrapping large numbers of bison. Excavation at the Wardell site in the early 1970s uncovered nearly 1,000 years of operations in the corral/kill area and the nearby meat processing area, as well as the earliest evidence of bow and arrow use during communal bison procurement. Due to episodic headcutting of the arroyo system where the Wardell site is found, data recovery ensued in 2005 and site stabilization measures were undertaken in the fall of 2007 to mitigate further erosional site destruction. Currently the site is in process of nomination as a National Historic Landmark. This paper explores the process through which the Wardell site meanders on its route to such a designation. In addition, I propose the following questions: What will Landmark status mean to Public Archaeology and Education? Specifically, what is/are the benefit(s) to site preservation? How will the educational interests of the public be served? Who will have access to the site, and how?

Tratebas, Alice (Bureau of Land Management, Newcastle Field Office)
"ROCK ART IN WYOMING" TRAVELING EXHIBIT

The BLM is preparing a traveling exhibit to showcase the outstanding rock art we have in Wyoming. The exhibit will have 14 panels each geared to answering a common question people ask when viewing rock art, such as "How old is it? Who made it? What is the oldest rock art in Wyoming? What does it mean?" The exhibit panels will be mounted on foam core and set up on artists' easels. The exhibit will be light weight and easy to transport. We encourage schools, museums, and archaeology society chapters to request the exhibit. We also plan to prepare a notebook to accompany the exhibit, which will contain teaching resources, plus references for those wanting more in depth information.

2007 Abstracts
Saratoga, Wyoming
Click Here For the Full Program.

Adams, Richard (University of Wyoming), Ruth Shepherd
(University of Wyoming), Tory Taylor (Taylor Outfitting, Dubois),
and John Lund (Saratoga, Wyoming)

THE HIGH RISE VILLAGE SITE: WHITEBARK PINE NUT PROCESSING AND SHEEP HUNTING AT 10,800 FEET

During the summer of 2006, we discovered a site consisting of about 20 circular lodge remnants on a mountainside at an altitude of 10,800 feet above sea level in Wyoming's Wind River Mountains. Late Prehistoric Shoshones most likely constructed and used the lodges, based on chronologically and culturally diagnostic artifacts. The lodge outlines occur as prepared flat spots on a moderately steep slope, in a dense whitebark pine forest adjacent to a bighorn sheep migration bottleneck. The high fat content of whitebark pine nuts made them highly desirable for immediate consumption and for longterm storage. Large numbers of groundstone artifacts and some bighorn sheep bones provide data on subsistence and seasonality. Using vivid images, we explore some of the lodgecentered activities at this and other mountain sites recently exposed by forest fires.

Arnold, Craig R. (University of Wyoming)
ASSEMBLING INTRASITE SPATIAL DATA AT THE 10,500YBP HANSON SITE (48BH329)

The Hanson Site (48BH329) is a Folsom occupation located in the Bighorn Mountains of Northern Wyoming. The site was partially excavated by University of Wyoming archaeologists between 1973 and 1976. An innovative recovery system was employed during excavation using Cartesian gridded cardboard and foam storage modules matching the in situ provenience of artifacts. Each artifact was piece plotted and then placed in a corresponding position within the storage modules. The "time capsules" have remained in the University of Wyoming Frison Institute for the past thirty years, while retaining their original spatial integrity. Present technology, in the form of Geographic Information Systems, provides an opportunity to incorporate artifact provenience data into an analytical examination of Folsom intrasite spatial patterning focusing on faunal remains. Analysis of the Hanson site assemblage indicates the presence of specific activity areas including hearths, potential lodge structures and secondary butchering areas. Statistical testing is conducted to validate the integrity of site formation through cultural behavior. An integral component of the study is the curation of the Hanson assemblage recovered thirty years previous to facilitate present studies and future scientific analysis.

Becker, Rory (University of Wyoming)
THE SAND CREEK PALEOSOL: A CULTURAL MATERIAL BEARING BURIED A HORIZON IN THE POWDER RIVER BASIN

In 2006, a series of archaeological sites were recorded along Sand Creek in the Powder River Basin of east-central Wyoming. The sites were all found in the same paleosol (buried A horizon) within the same drainage. Evidence of a similar paleosol with accompanying cultural material was sparse or non-existent in adjacent drainages. Local geology and site descriptions are presented in hopes the information will be of use to people conducting future archaeological investigations and recommendations in the area.

Dixon, E. James (University of Colorado at Boulder)

BANQUET SPEAKER

ORIGINS OF THE FIRST AMERICANS: EVALUATING THE NW COASTAL MIGRATION HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis that the earliest colonization of the Americas occurred using watercraft along the southern coastof Beringia and the northwest coast of North America rests on dating geological events, human remains, artifacts, and paleoenvironmental events. While the mid-continent of northern North America remained blocked by ice until circa 13,000 calendar years ago, refugia, islands, glaciated areas of the continental shelf along the Northwest Coast were ice-free by 16,000 cal BP. Deglaciation along the northwest coast had begun by 16,800 cal BP and was sufficiently advanced to enable humans using watercraft to colonize coastal areas by 15,350 BP.

Fritsche, Rebecca University of Wyoming)
DISTINGUISHING PERCUSSOR TYPE: AN EXAMINATION OF FLAKES PRODUCED FROM BIFACIAL AND AMORPHOUS CORES

The current study aims to identify useful means of distinguishing flakes produced from hard hammer percussion from those produced from soft hammer percussion. I examine flakes from the reduction of a bifacial core and an amorphous core and consider the utility of certain variables for distinguishing percussor type for both reduction techniques. The ratio of platform area to overall flake size and the number of platform facets present were good predictors of percussor type. All other potentially useful variables yielded insignificant results. However, the presence of lipped platforms and diffuse bulbs of percussion may prove to be useful indicators of soft hammer percussion in a larger sample; these variables deserve further examination.

Gardner, A. Dudley, Kayli Westling, Jessica Brinkerhoff and
Daniel McCurdy (Western Wyoming College)
MAIZE AGRICULTURE AND METHODOLOGY AT EAGLE POINT

The extent of maize cultivation east of the Douglas Creek drainage in Northwest Colorado is not well known. Recent excavation along Piceance Creek has revealed that at least on a limited basis corn was cultivated along this drainage between AD900 and AD1000. This paper will put forth our preliminary findings and look at some of the reasons why both Zea pollen and corn cobs are present in the archaeological record in the

Piceance Valley.

Goss, John G. (Dust Devil Archaeology, Inc.)
HELLACIOUS MUCKSHELTERS

Massive brecciated limestone lithologic layers, water eroded sandstone, wind carved stone cliffs, and dissolved limestone sinkholes are all ideal formations for human occupied rock shelters throughout the world. In a place called Hell's Half Acre in central Wyoming (where most everyone in this room has certainly stood at the edge, peered down into the fancy depths and said something like, "that's interesting", and motored on) I am hypothesizing that some ancient people were not living in geological cover anything like these settings mentioned above. Ambiguous deposits of cultural material are found in odd settings in the dramatic mini-canyons, which also contain natural softsediment caves. Presently, little is understood about primary deposition at Hell's Half Acre. Much of the exposed cultural material appears as though it was secondarily deposited at the mouths of these canyons as a slump, like a small moraine, or siphoned into a sinkhole creating a resistant cement-like plug that is now an isolated spire, or drizzled over the walls of the canyons like glaze on a bundt cake. In one particular instance, a prolific cultural deposit in the spires, walls, and in slumped mounds in the bottom of one of the small canyons contains 20+ wood artifacts (sticks, modified logs, charred wood fragments), large quantities of charcoal, fractured bovid bone that looks quite green, and hundreds of lithic artifacts. This collection of material, localized in an area no more than 30 x 20 m is distinctive from many of the other individual deposits. In 10 test units excavated in various locations throughout the park in the summer of 2005, no non-carbonized wood artifacts were encountered in Late Prehistoric or Late Archaic levels. So why is there a concentration of perishable artifacts preserved and eroding out of identical sediments? They were deposited, preserved, and then disgorged from a now-dissolved muckshelter that was used by ancient hunter-gatherers, of course!

Lippincott, Kerry

RESULTS OF 2005'S TEST EXCAVATIONS AT HELL'S HALF ACRE, NATRONA COUNTY, WY

Preliminary test excavations were undertaken at Hell's Half Acre, Wyoming by Dust Devil Archaeology, Inc. through a grant from the Natrona County Historic Preservation

Commission. Hell's Half Acre, a unit in the Natrona County Parks Department, is a picturesque, highly eroded, "badlands" topography along the upper reaches of the Powder River in central Wyoming. Buried prehistoric cultural materials were found in colluvial slope wash deposits, on an isolated butte-like erosional remnant, and on the uneroded margins of the eroded areas. Ten excavation units were placed directly over cultural features or strata partially exposed in eroded cutbanks. Based on seven radiocarbon dates, there are essentially four buried occupation layers - three Late Plains Archaic and one Late Prehistoric components - and a surface or near surface component of the Late Prehistoric Period. A 130 cm deep pollen profile characterized the botanical history of the locality as only minimally altered in the last 2000 years. Identification and analysis of bone fragments from a 112 cmbs Late Plains Archaic component emphasized the overwhelming predominance of bison and minor occurrences of pronghorn. Non-local debitage consisted of various colored cherts and chalcedonies from the southern Bighorn Mountains, 25-30 miles away; exotic materials included obsidian and porcellanite. One excavated and three surface obsidian pieces were sourced to Obsidian Cliff, WY and Malad, ID. Ceramics included simple-stamped body treatment and tool-impressed rim sherds. Macro floral analysis of three rock-lined hearth features remains to be completed.

Mullen, Patrick Orion, Travis Gilchreist and Abbey Wick
(University of Wyoming)
VARIATION IN CARBON AND OXYGEN ISOTOPES IN TERMINAL PLEISTOCENE AND EARLY HOLOCENE BISON

By analyzing carbon and oxygen isotopes from bison tooth enamel recovered from three Paleoindian sites in Middle Park Colorado, we were able to compare attributes of the climate and environment of during the Younger Dryas and the period immediately thereafter. Middle Park is a hotbed of Paleoindian sites, thus, adding isotopic information to our reconstruction of the paleoenvironment is important to our interpretations of site function, land use, and seasonality of sites. Our results reveal no significant difference in the ratio of C3 to C4 grasses in the diets of the bison sampled. There was however, a significant difference in the oxygen isotopes when comparing the Younger Dryas aged Barger Gulch and Upper Twin Mountain sites with the early Holocene Jerry Craig site. This indicates not only that the Younger Dryas was cooler than the period that followed, but to what degree.

Pappas, Jeff Pappas (Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office)
NATIONAL REGISTER ESSENTIALS

This presentation is for avocational archaeologists interested in learning about the National Register of Historic Places and the National Register process. The discussion will focus primarily on how to evaluate archaeological sites and how to successfully compete and submit a National Register nomination. In addition, the presentation will also dispel the various myths and misnomers associated with listing a property.

Prasciunas, Mary M. (University of Wyoming)
CONTINUING INVESTIGATIONS AT THE SHEAMAN CLOVIS SITE, EASTERN WYOMING

The Sheaman Clovis locality of the Agate Basin site in eastern Wyoming has been a subject of investigation since the late 1970s. This paper discusses recent investigations at the site, focusing on the lithic assemblage which contains morethan 4900 artifacts. Traditional interpretations of Paleoindian technological organization view Paleoindian technology as designed in specific ways to meet the requirements of highly mobile populations by conserving raw material and reducing the weight of the transported toolkit. Recent critiques, however, suggest that few sites actually satisfy the archaeological predictions of this traditional view, and that more variability existed within the Paleoindian period than once assumed. In contrast to these critiques, the Sheaman site fulfills every traditional technological expectation and appears unique in many ways compared to later Paleoindian manifestations.

Reher, Charles A. (University of Wyoming), Rick Weathermon
(University of Wyoming) and Larry Finnell (Finnell Enterprises)
ARTIFACT ASSEMBLAGE FROM THE BATTLE OF SUMMITSPRINGS, NORTHEAST COLORADO

On July 19, 1869, U.S. 5th Cavalry troops under Gen. Eugene Carr and Pawnee Scouts led by Maj. Frank North launched a surprise attack on the 84 Cheyenne lodges of Tall Bull and the Hotametanao (A Dog Soldiers at Summit Springs,near the present-day town of Sterling). A short, fierce battle resulted in the death of 52 tribal members and the capture of 17, but several hundred more were able to scatter and escape. The Army in standard fashion inventoried and then destroyed the contents of the village. The privately-owned battle site apparently had been collected sporadically though the years by various people, and then it was intensely metal-detected by several individuals in the early 1980's. In spite of the ethical quandaries involved, we are fortunate that one of these individuals (Finnell) carefully curated and analyzed the more than 1000 items that he recovered. He also gave many public presentations and set up an informative website. The main author here has been using this collection for several years for classroom and research purposes, culminating in this brief consideration of the battle itself, the spatial structure of the tipi camp, and a description of the metal artifact assemblage. Analyzed in more detail are cartridges and slugs, metal arrow points, hide scraper bits, and buckles from the horse gear. Also mentioned are gun parts, kettles and cutlery, awls and other utilitarian items, buttons, tinklers, rings and other decorative items, and other artifact types. The Army's inventory confirms the veracity of the sample on hand, and these and other battlefield inventories in the literature add insight into the nature of these large nomadic camps.

Schroeder, Bryon Alan (Dust Devil Archaeology)
MANUPORTS AS WEAPON SYSTEMS: EVALUATING "THE ROCK" AT THE ALCOVA REDOUBT (48NA3502)

The Alcova Redoubt, 48NA3502, is a butte top defensive site located in central Wyoming. The sites perimeter is defined by juniper walls with approximately ten bastions incorporated into these walls. Within several of these bastions are rock piles transported from secondary deposits in nearby drainages. It will be suggested here that the primary function of these manually transported rocks was for use in a defense type

scenario. Preliminary results indicate that certain size exotic rocks were being selected and strategically placed within the site. Moreover the location of similar rock outside of the site may indicate probable attack areas. Thus, it may be possible to identify probable assailant entry points and where skirmishes took place around this site.

Tanner, Russel L. (Kyak Marook Heritage Research, LLC)
LAND OF PLENTY HORSES: RECENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDIES IN THE POWDER MOUNTAIN REGION OF SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING

Powder Mountain, a mountainous region situated along the Wyoming-Colorado border, overlooks much of the southern Green River Basin to the north. From this perspective, it is proposed historic Ute horse raiders had a commanding view of the Overland Trail, a major mid-19th Century transportation route across the central Rocky Mountains. A cursory review of historical information indicates that archaeological features including brush corrals, stone alignments, charcoal pictographs and incised petroglyphs in the Powder Mountain region may be related to horse raids upon the Overland corridor staged by Ute warriors from about 1850 through the early reservation era.

Wiewel, Adam S. (University of Wyoming)
SAND AND SWEAT: VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTIONS AT THE SAND DRAW DUMP SITE

For several decades, professional archaeologists in Wyoming have recognized the importance of volunteer archaeologists. Without the contributions of volunteers, many of the largest and most archaeologically significant excavations in the state would not have been possible. Over four field seasons, the Sand Draw Dump site (48FR3123), a Late Prehistoric Period campsite located in the Wind River Basin, has been excavated primarily by volunteers. During the summer of 2006, 545 square meters were hand excavated, and an additional 517 square meters were mechanically scraped. A large number of volunteers from around the United States worked a total of 2,632 hours at Sand Draw. In this paper, I discuss the many contributions of these volunteers.

2006 Abstracts
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Adams, Richard (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEM, SOAPSTONE BOWLS AND THE MOUNTAIN SHOSHONE

Protohistoric and probably Late Prehistoric Mountain Shoshone (sometimes known as Sheepeaters) who lived in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and surrounding environs made soapstone bowls in the mountains at the time of Euroamerican contact. The Rocky Mountain soapstone bowl industry is characterized by undecorated, flower pot shaped bowls that generally hold more than one liter. Using ethnographic and ethnohistoric data, and archaeological evidence, I examine how the distribution of soapstone  "also known as steatite"  vessels refines ideas about Mountain Shoshone territory, which in turn makes it possible to delineate a Protohistoric seasonal mobility system that included summer use of alpine mineral, floral and faunal resources.

Basgall, Ashly LoBurgio (University of Wyoming) and Dewey Baars (Wyoming Archaeological Society)

EVIDENCE FOR LONG DISTANCE EXCHANGE: AN EXAMINATION OF A BARBED AXE FOUND IN WYOMING

Extensive prehistoric and historic native trade networks enabled trade goods to travel between virtually every region of the United States. A polished groundstone axe-head, discovered in eastern Wyoming, forms the basis for an examination of long distance exchange in the Northwest Plains. Based on stylistic traits and material type, the axe is classified as a barbed axe from Michigan. The known distribution and cultural affiliation of barbed axes is examined, as are trade networks that linked Wyoming with the Great Lakes region. Other reported exotic artifacts discovered in the Northwest Plains are considered as further evidence for long distance exchange in the region.

Cox, Shanna Marie (University of Wyoming)
RECOGNIZING GENDER IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD: SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF HEARTH 4 AT THE BUGAS-HOLDING SITE (48PA563)

There has been little research explicitly investigating gender systems for Plains and Rocky Mountain prehistory. To investigate gender, one needs a well excavated site with detailed analyses. Bugas-Holding (48PA563), a late Prehistoric Shoshone site in northwestern Wyoming, is such a site. I try to determine if methods exist to derive gender roles from Hearth 4 of Bugas-Holding. I visually examine the spatial patterning of artifacts around Hearth 4 and compare these patterns of artifacts to patterns of artifacts found in hunter-gatherer ethnoarchaeological studies to interpret the different gender roles producing these patterns.

Eakin, Dan (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
A CULTURAL AND TEMPORAL CONTEXT FOR SHEEP TRAPPING FROM THE ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS, NORTHWEST WYOMING

Recent investigations in the Absaroka Mountains of northwest Wyoming reveal prehistoric base camp and other sites in close proximity to features interpreted as mountain sheep traps. A suite of artifacts, long regarded as Shoshonean, provide evidence pertaining to the age and origin of these and other trap features in the region.

Ewing, Sara, Victoria Rose and Jenny Wurtz (University of Wyoming)
PROPOSAL FOR AN OUTDOOR MUSEUM AND SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE HELL GAP SITE

Since 1992, University of Wyoming archaeologists have been excavating the Hell Gap site in southeastern Wyoming. On-going research has proven vital to understanding the history and prehistory of the Northwestern Plains and presents an educational opportunity both for archaeologists and the public. An outdoor museum and self-guided tour of the Hell Gap site and surrounding areas is one way to educate the public and raise awareness about archaeology. The proposed museum and tour will provide a direct interaction between the public and the archaeologists working at the site, giving the public an opportunity to understand the holistic aspect of the research performed at Hell Gap. The goals of the proposed museum are to: 1) present information and current understanding of prehistory and history of the region, 2) provide a better understanding and awareness of archaeological resources and processes using the importance of Hell Gap, and 3) simultaneously promote a sense of stewardship among the public. This proposal will present a possible tour route with exhibits and will discuss some of the financial and legal considerations.

Fritsche, Becky (University of Wyoming)
USING INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES OF THE PAST IN SCIENTIFIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL INQUIRY: AN EVALUATION OF COLLABORATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ARCHAEOLOGY

This paper presents an overview of collaborative efforts between archaeologists and indigenous communities in providing frameworks for understanding the prehistoric past. I explore and evaluate ways in which archaeologists have endeavored to incorporate indigenous histories and views into scientific archaeological inquiry in terms of their success in merging scientific and humanistic concerns and their overall contributions to archaeological knowledge. I present a history of collaboration based on a review of journal articles in American Antiquity, American Anthropologist, and World Archaeology since the initial publication of these journals. Finally, I consider the implications of collaboration for the discipline of archaeology and give special attention to the methodological and theoretical import of what has been termed community archaeology.

Garnett, Rodney A. (University of Wyoming)
THE MUSICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A FIVE HUNDRED YEAR-OLD ELK ANTLER RASP

Excavations at the 500 year old Shoshone occupation Bugas-Holding site yielded a variety of faunal and chipped stone material including a grooved elk antler object. The grooved object was likely used as a musical instrument, a rasp. The Bugas-Holding rasp is described and ideas about its possible musical and cultural significance are presented. The rasp is placed in the context of ethnographic and archaeological occurrences of similar musical instruments, including a similar artifact from the Karpinsky site in Alberta, Canada. Comparative studies of musical rasps used in historic cultures in North America suggest this elk antler rasp may have been a powerful item for accompanying singing and dancing. A metaphysical transfer of power, expressed in words and songs, occurs from animals to humans among the Shoshone especially in the vision quest.

Greer, Mavis and John Greer (Greer Consulting)
PREHISTORY AND HISTORY OF SQUAW CREEK, POWDER RIVER BASIN, WYOMING

The Squaw Creek drainage is a main tributary to Horse Creek north of Gillette. Survey of about 6000 acres of this drainage indicates the area has been used at least from Middle Archaic times through the Historic Period. More than 80 recorded cultural localities include large promontory campsites flanking the drainage, a historic Indian camp, possible rifle pits or hunting blinds, and an early historic ranch irrigation system. Sites can be viewed relative to possible relations between site types, particularly smaller prehistoric outlier campsites relative to high promontory base camps. Historic outliers, such as early Native American strips and disks sites and the possible defensive site, can be similarly viewed relative to the historic Indian camp.

Kesterke, Matthew J., Ethan A Epstein, Michael Stites, Asja Tonc, Marcel Kornfeld, Tomislav Pusic, and Jun Hashizume (University of Wyoming)
A SUMMARY OF THE 2005 HELL GAP FIELD EXCAVATIONS

This paper presents preliminary results of the 2005 investigations at the Hell Gap site (48GO305) in Goshen County, Wyoming. The importance of the site lies in the geological stratigraphy and archaeological context of its 11,000 year occupational history. The 2005 field season concentrated on continued excavation of the 5 x 7 meter block separating Localities 1 and 1E. The excavations removed 2.3 cubic meters of sediment, recovering 1,009 mapped artifacts, including 513 pieces of chipped stone, 476 pieces of faunal debris, and 20 charcoal and ochre specimens. Additionally, investigations at Locality II West, an open-air site located 60 meters west of Locality II, produced 389 faunal remains and 436 chipped stone pieces. Finally, geomorphological trenching undertaken by C. Vance Haynes investigated the stratigraphy of Localities I and II. The results add significant information about the chronostratigraphy and site structure of both localities.

McFaul, Michael (LaRamie Soils Service, Inc.), Donna Stubbs (ACR Consultants, Inc.), and Kevin O'Dell (ACR Consultants, Inc.)
GEOARCHAEOLOGY OF BARBER CREEK TERRACES, POWDER RIVER, WYOMING

Barber Creek contains a suite of at least three Quaternary alluvial fill terraces. Segments of these terraces (T1, T2 and T3) were trenched to approximately 2.5- 2.8 mbs. Soil development and radiocarbon dating suggests the T1 and T2 fills represent different alluvial events. Relative age-dating, absolute dating, and interpretation of Leopold and Miller�s Powder River Basin investigations show the T1 is a latest Holocene fill, dating >380 BP and correlating with the mesic Little Ice Age. T2 fill is older dating >5,830 BP to < 1,120 BP. Elevation suggests T3 is the oldest terrace, however it is also <287 cmbs mantled with younger alluvium (1,670 BP and 1,790 BP). Correlations with the Leopold and Miller are tentative; Barber Creek terraces do not contain the same sediments. All three Barber Creek terrace fills represent depositional environments favorable to preservation of buried cultural components. Rapid aggradation may have influenced T1 occupation. The paleosols in T2 and T3 fill indicates floodplain stability possibly encouraging human occupation. It is hoped results of this investigation will help unravel perceived differences in interpretations of the Powder River Basin geomorphology. There is a step-like suite of alluvial terraces in the Powder River Basin. Sediments from these terraces are archaeologically important. Understanding their significance will provide archaeologists, land use managers, and developers with an easy-to-use tool to assess the potential of the alluvial terraces in the Powder River Basin to yield buried cultural materials.

Page, Michael K. (University of Wyoming)
ON POTS AND PEOPLE: A STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF HIGH PLAINS UPPER REPUBLICAN POTTERY

Middle Ceramic sites located on the high plains of Colorado and Wyoming are typically assigned to the "High Plains Upper Republican;" effectively linking them to the Upper Republican phase of the Central Plains tradition of southern Nebraska and northern Kansas. However, stylistic attributes of ceramic assemblages from the high plains are not homogonous. Rather, detailed quantitative analyses of stylistic attributes reveal a number of affinities between assemblages from the high plains and both the Itskari phase of central Nebraska as well as the Upper Republican phase. These data shed needed light on cultural dynamics during the Middle Ceramic Period and bring to question long held assumptions regarding the "High Plains Upper Republican."

Reher, Charles A. (University of Wyoming)
GRANT WILLSON AND THE LARGE SCALE LANDSCAPE SURVEY

(no abstract)

Schroeder, Bryon (University of Wyoming)
GIVING IT A CHANCE: WARFARE IN PREHISTORIC WYOMING

Prehistoric warfare is a topic that is rarely discussed by archaeologists studying the remains of nomadic hunters and gatherers. The idea that relatively small bands of loosely organized nomads waged calculated attacks on one another directly contradicts ideas relative to hunter-gatherer societies that have become anthropological dogma. The view that egalitarian foragers lived in peaceful ecological balance shielded from warfare dominates the anthropology literature. This research will examine the evidence for warfare within pre-contact nomadic hunter-gather societies in North America centering on Wyoming. The focus will be on two questions: is there evidence for warfare in prehistoric Wyoming and, if so is there any indication of when it occurred. By answering these questions it may be possible to place pre-contact warfare in Wyoming within a broader regional context.

Wiewel, Adam S. (University of Wyoming)
AN EXAMINATION OF SIZE REDUCTION OF THE SKELETAL REMAINS OF SEVEN HISTORIC INDIVIDUALS

Studies concerned with fluctuations in size of skeletal materials are few and focus primarily on skeletal expansion and contraction as a source of measurement error. The objective of this study is to investigate a noticeable reduction in size of the human skeletal remains of seven individuals curated at the University of Wyoming Human Osteological Repository and to explore implications of these changes. Data for the analysis consist of twelve linear craniometric measurements, five radial measurements, and a single measurement performed on each of three postcranial elements. Statistical tests demonstrate the decrease in size is significant; however, this source of measurement error is not necessarily problematic in determining ancestry.

Wolff, Sarah (University of Wyoming)
THE ANTIQUITIES ACT OF 1906

The American Antiquities Act of 1906 was a major piece of archaeological legislation that has made an impact on the past century of conservation and preservation of the American landscape. One major part of this concise act was granting the presidential power to declare a national monument without the approval of Congress. This presentation will focus on the history of the bill and its impact on the West. I will specifically address the act's impact on Wyoming discussing the only amendment to the act, which limits the power of the Antiquities Act in Wyoming, the delisting of Shoshone Cave National Monument, and the declaration of Devil's Tower as the first national monument.

2005 Abstracts
Rawlins, Wyoming

Adams, Richard (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE: THE TRANS-CONTINENTAL DIVIDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRANSECT

Thanks to the legs (and lungs) of Wyoming Archaeological Society volunteers, a better picture of aboriginal use of the Wind River mountains is emerging. With support from the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests, WAS volunteers and I completed an archaeological survey transect across the Continental Divide from the Green River to the Wind River last summer. Images from that trip and others illustrate prehistoric use of the mountains every bit as intense as use of the basins. Of particular interest are soapstone quarries at elevations in excess of 11,000 feet above sea level. Distributions of chronologically diagnostic artifacts provide information on the nature and timing of high altitude use. Prehistoric people were spending months at a time at high altitudes, yet Wyoming archaeologists are just starting to conduct systematic work in mountainous wilderness areas.

Anderson, Derek T., Mary Prasciunas, Marcel Kornfeld, Norbert Wasilik, Crystal R. Meyer, George C. Frison (University of Wyoming), and C. Vance Haynes, Jr. (University of Arizona)
RETURN TO AGATE BASIN

Since publication of the Agate Basin monograph over 20 years ago, the University of Wyoming has spent two field seasons reinvestigating, testing, and surveying additional areas of the Moss Agate Arroyo. Year 2000 fieldwork focused on obtaining stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental data from Area 3 (the Brewster Site), testing at Area 5 and backhoe trenching between Areas 2 and 3. Investigations in 2004 focused on test excavations at Area 9 (Sheaman Site), recovering bone from the 1940's backdirt at Area 1, auger testing at Area 6 to clarify site geomorphology, and re-exposing bone beds discovered in the Area 2/3 trench. It is apparent significant Paleoindian archaeological deposits remain in Moss Agate Arroyo. This paper presents preliminary results of the recent investigations.

Craig R. Arnold
A MODEL OF CLOVIS AND FOLSOM MOBILITY AND SUBSISTENCE STRATEGIES BASED ON SETTLEMENT PATTERNS AND FAUNAL UTILIZATION

Many archaeologists still conceive High Plains Paleoindians as relying upon a subsistence strategy based exclusively on big game hunting. Through examining small Clovis and Folsom kill/camp/processing sites, this paper presents a Paleoindian model proposing residential mobility combined with logistical collector type subsistence strategies relying upon a wider diet breadth. By exploring faunal assemblages, carcass utilization, and storage strategies, inferences may be proposed regarding Paleoindian behaviors that take into consideration seasonality, environmental conditions, dietary requirements and resource availability. An assessment of advantages and risks inherent in food storage strategies becomes apparent by incorporating an experimental archaeological meat drying study and ethnographic studies. Both sources demonstrate the feasibility, quickness, and viability of air-dried food caches in Paleoindian mobility and subsistence strategies.

Bach, Daniel R., (High Plains Macrobotanical Services, Laramie, Wyoming)
MACROFLORAL AND LIMITED GEOMORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF 750 PREHISTORIC HEARTHS FROM SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING

This paper will provide a summary of data from analysis of 750 prehistoric hearths from southwestern Wyoming. Macrofloral topics will include quantifying and qualifying charcoal preservation, how charcoal degrades with time, and analysis of subsistence remains, both faunal and floral. Geomorphological analysis will include interpreting soil texture of fill from 300+ hearths, analyzing soil particle size and hearth shape, examining why recording soluble iron content might be important and importance of retaining a small amount of feature fill for future analysis. Other topics discussed include root and insect disturbances and sampling strategies for hearths, the pros and cons of bulk sampling versus fine grain sampling.

Becker, Rory J. (University of Wyoming)
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF INSANITY: A LOOK AT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF A 19TH CENTURY INSITUTION

The Colony Farm Orchard and Asylum Lake properties, currently owned by Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, were once parts of the Kalamazoo State Mental Hospital's working farm known as the Colony Farm. The State Mental Hospital in Kalamazoo was the first of its kind in the State of Michigan and their successful operations on the Colony Farm was an early effort to use work activities as a therapeutic treatment. This paper details results of historical background research into the operation and identifies the archaeological potential of this property that resulted from progressive views of late 19th century health reform.

Beers James D. (University of Wyoming)
AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL �SPEARMINT�: REFRESHING USEWEAR EXPERIMENTAL FOUNDATIONS FOR A USEWEAR EXPERIMENT, PRESENTING THE GOOD AND BAD BREATH OF THE RESULTS, AND EXPLORING SOME POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS

The history of comparative analogy in stone tool usewear analysis spans nearly 170 years, but essential and scientifically sound comparative utilization experiments are a relatively young and often underemployed method in usewear study. Only after the mid-1960s has it been widely agreed an experimental approach is the "only relatively secure manner" from which hypotheses regarding stone tool utilization can be tested. Considering the underlying reasons of the agreed need for experiments and following criticisms and suggestions by researchers, the process and results of present utilization experiment are examined for successes, failures, and improvements. Lastly, after comparing experimental results with Clovis informal tools from the Gault site, Texas, possible applications are explored for developing potential hypotheses and questions regarding general Clovis behavior.

Boles, Dulce (University of Wyoming)
PRELIMINARY REPORT ON AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY, MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND GROUND PENETRATING RADAR SURVEY OF THE FORT LARAMIE, WY CEMETERIES

Since 2002, the University of Wyoming has been conducting a geophysical archaeological survey of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. An area of concentration for this study has been the two cemeteries, in use from 1834-1867 and 1867-extant. The 2004 field season study of these cemeteries centered on an electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility (EM38B) survey, with data collected at quarter meter intervals, and a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey. Preliminary analyses of the data suggest this survey technique is highly effective in identification of grave shafts in studies of historic cemeteries. Preliminary ground truthing and other excavation data show the distinctive anomalies identified with both instruments can be correlated and identified asgrave shafts.

Drucker J.D. (Sam) RPA or David Vlcek (Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale)
WARDELL REVISITED OR BONES AND WATER DON�T MIX

During summer and fall of 2004, two erosional episodes caused by flash floods were recorded at the Wardell Buffalo Trap (48SU301). A field inspection noted flooded colluvial soils and deposited tabular sandstone bedrock slabs across the site area over a 200x150 meter area. Severe downcutting of the drainage channel below the Wardell Kill Area protective fence exposed several zones of bison bone, including scapulae, vertebrate, rib bones and two crania. This area has been downcut at least two feet during this flooding episode in 2004. The BLM has received funding to begin a stabilization project and will present the proposed project methodology and effects of 2004 flood episodes.

Greer, Mavis and John Greer (Greer Consulting, Casper)
CONSERVING WYOMING ROCK ART THROUGH RECORDING

Recording is the best means of conserving rock art information, and methods must be adjusted by site or project. The kind of recording depends on site characteristics, available personnel, time, and budget as well as research design. Recording methodology and results should not be standardized for all sites and projects because development, utilization, and testing of new recording and analysis methods leads to continual innovation in rock art research. Resulting information from all levels of recording and all site visits should be filed with the SHPO in a timely manner. This is crucial for preservation of research and management information forming a complete database of field and laboratory observations, history of site visits, monitoring of changing contents and conditions, and published and available articles, reports, papers, personal notes, and photographs.

Kornfeld, Marcel (University of Wyoming)
EVERY SITE AN ISOLATE, EVERY ISOLATE A SITE! AND WHAT IS ARCHAEOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT?

For over a century, western North American and Rocky Mountain prehistory was built on megasites, the isolated occurrences of densely packed archaeological remains. Such sites come in a variety of forms; the most familiar ones being bison bone beds, stone circles, rock images, and hearths. In other world regions, similar sites dominated the writing of prehistory. This has led to a myopic view of prehistoric inhabitants and has left much of prehistory unwritten, unknown, and unknowable with traditional archaeological methods. A more holistic approach began approximately 30 years ago, when, for a variety of reasons, many archaeologists simultaneously realized the archeological record is more complex. I discuss some changes in doing and thinking archeology outside of megasites.

Meyer, Crystal (University of Wyoming)
PALEOINDIAN FAUNAL STUDIES: THE IMPORTANCE OF EXCAVATIONS AT THE AGATE BASIN SITE AREA 1

Bison remains from the Agate Basin Component at Area I of the Agate Basin Site have the potential to provide a wealth of information about Paleoindian subsistence. While this specific assemblage is found in a backdirt context, lack of provenience does not hinder application of several zooarchaeological analyses to the collection. This preliminary study draws from a series of methodologies that can be applied to such data, regardless of the lack of specimen provenience information. Future excavations should provide an adequate sample by which a better understanding of the Agate Basin Area 1 bonebed can be achieved.

Victoria Rose (University of Wyoming)
SUBTERRANEAN FEATURES, THE WYOMING HOUSEPITS, AND MOBILITY PATTERNS: PIT OVENS OR STORAGE PITS?

One aspect of research on Wyoming prehistoric housepits is the issue of residential mobility, subsistence strategies, and storage. Presence or absence of storage is seen as an indicator of mobility and subsistence strategies. Possible storage pits have been identified in Wyoming housepit sites, however, not all researchers agree such pit features were used for storage. An alternative explanation is the pit features functioned primarily as pit ovens. This paper considers evidence available to differentiate archaeologically described pits into food storage pits and pit ovens.

Schroeder, Bryon (University of Wyoming)
TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF "DEFENSIVE" SITES IN WYOMING

The objective of this research is to define the term "defensive" as it applies to archaeological sites in Wyoming and to determine associations between time period and sites designated as "defensive." Data on previously recorded sites located in topographic situations suggestive of defensive measures (butte tops, hilltops, upper scarp woodlands, and other areas providing a vantage point or are largely inaccessible) are included in the sample. Other sites included are those determined to be defendable with the aid of structural components and features (walls, dry moats, or palisades). If dates of Wyoming's defensive sites correlate with known periods of conflict in the American Southwest and Great Plains regions, large scale models for cultural characteristics that precede, or are associated with, pre-contact warfare can be developed.

Wasilik, Norbert (University of Wyoming)

EARLY PALEOINDIANS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS: A 10,400 YEAR OLD CULTURAL COMPONENT FROM THE HELEN LOOKINGBILL SITE (48FR308), WYOMING

Helen Lookingbill is a multicomponent site located in the Washakie Range of the Absaroka Mountains in northwestern Wyoming. The earliest occupation period at the site was dated to approximately 10,400 years ago and is mostly represented by two thousand core and biface reduction flakes recovered from a 2 by 2 meter unit. No chronologically diagnostic artifacts have been identified in situ in these units, however, several Haskett or Hell Gap projectile points were recovered from the same geologic stratum elsewhere on the site. Currently the chipped stone material is being analyzed to increase understanding of site integrity, activity structures, production processes, and the cultural affiliation of this component. Research approach and preliminary analysis results will be presented.

Wedel, Dale L., Mark E. Miller and Danny N. Walker (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF FORT FRED STEELE STATE HISTORIC SITE, CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING

Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site is located in Carbon County, Wyoming, where the Union Pacific Railroad crosses the North Platte River. The military fort was initially established in June 1868 to provide protection for the Union Pacific Railroad construction across south-central Wyoming. Besides military activities, Fort Steele played a vital role in the history of transportation and communication, livestock and timber industries, and regional economic development in Wyoming. Beginning in 1979, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist has conducted archaeological investigations at this important Wyoming historic site. This paper presents a brief overview of the history of the site and a summary of 25 years of archaeological investigations.

2004 Abstracts
Jackson, Wyoming

Adams, Richard (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
RECENT HIGH ALTITUDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE TETON, WIND RIVER, AND ABSAROKA MOUNTAINS, WYOMING.

This slide show summarizes collaborative efforts among the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, the National Park Service, the Shoshone and Caribou-Targhee National Forests, and Taylor Outfitting of Dubois. In past three years, with the help of Wyoming Archaeological Society (WAS) volunteers and University of Wyoming students, important new sites have been located and recorded that shed light on Wyoming's aboriginal soapstone industry, the Sheepeater Shoshone, and prehistoric use of the mountains. As a result of these collaborations, we have located more than 60 prehistoric sites, most of which are above 10,000 feet above sea level. While recording these sites we have found dozens of soapstone artifacts, more than 40 chipped stone tools, and two wickiups. More fieldwork with WAS volunteers is planned for this coming summer in the Wind River and Teton Ranges.

Burgess, Cheryl (Black Hills National Forest)
CURRAN'S CABIN: AN ELIGHTENING AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCE IN RESTORATION, RECONSTRUCTION, AND REHABILITATION OR WHAT THEY DID ON THEIR SUMMER VACATIONS

In the summers of 2001 through 2003, a varied group of dedicated volunteers from several states gathered north of Rochford, South Dakota on the Black Hills National Forest to bring a dilapidated miner's cabin back to life. Under the auspices of the Passport in Time Program, three local recruits directed various facets of the work assisting Black Hills National Forest personnel. Their qualifications and capacity for innovation quickly exceeded the capabilities of those of us administering the project. Stabilization, dismantling and reconstruction of the cabin took place over a three year period. Excavations in and around the cabin, as well as detailed plotting at an associated hand dug well, recovered data about the cabin's past and the history of the occupants. Co-operative mapping efforts with the South Dakota Archaeological Research Center produced a detailed site map. A small amount of work remains to address drainage, to finish chinking and windows and to set an interpretive sign. The project will result in a standing cabin and interpretive site for the public to enjoy.

Cannon, Kenneth P. and Molly Boeka Cannon (National Park Service, Midwest Archeological Center)
RECENT INVESTIGATIONS AT THE GOETZ SITE, JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

In 1972 the University of Wyoming excavated what was reported as a bison kill site on the National Elk Refuge, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A minimum age of the kill was placed at 500 years from a charcoal lens stratigraphically above the bone deposit. Re-analysis of the kill indicates that it dates to ca. 800 years ago. More recent investigations have revealed the bison kill was only one component of a more complicated site history that may extend back 9000 years. Field investigations, sponsored by the Earthwatch Institute and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have produced evidence of a 1900-year-old processing area and a lithic industry based on the bifacial reduction of local quartzite.

Cheshier, Joe (University of Wyoming)
ADDITIONAL ACTUALISTIC STUDIES ON PROJECTILE POINT DURABILITY

This study addresses the question of how size, specifically thickness-to-length ratio, affects longevity or durability of projectile points. An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that points with a larger thickness-to-length ratio would have the capacity to be fired more times than other, thinner points. Five groups of differently sized, obsidian projectile points were fired via a self bow into a white-tailed deer carcass. The points were fired repeatedly until their "penetrative form" was compromised. The points were then compared within and across the five size groups to examine the effect of size on projectile point durability. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide a better understanding of variability in projectile point form.

Eakin, Daniel H. (Wyoming State Archaeologist's Office)
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT THE GAME CREEK SITE

The Game Creek Site is located at the confluence of Game and Flat creeks, approximately 13 km south of Jackson, in southern Jackson Hole. Investigations were conducted at the site in 2002 and 2003 by OWSA and WAS (Teton County) during cultural resource management studies related to proposed reconstruction of US Highway 26-89- 191 by the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Test units, shovel tests and backhoe trenches documented prehistoric occupation from late Paleoindian through Late Prehistoric periods. As many as eight suspected Paleoindian occupation levels were documented. Radiocarbon assays from three occupation levels and a hearth range from about 9300 to 8500 RCYBP. Paleoindian projectile points recovered represent styles that are often found in montane or non-Plains settings, but remain poorly understood. Additional radiocarbon assays and diagnostic artifacts document Archaic and Late Prehistoric occupation. Further excavation of the site is expected to yield data pertinent to late Paleoindian subsistence practices, projectile point typology, and the Holocene history of Jackson Hole.

Greer, Mavis and John Greer (Greer Services)
PATTERNS AND OUTLIERS: NOTEWORTHY FEATURES AND ARTIFACTS IN WYOMING

Uncommon features and artifacts in the archeological record always draw attention because they are not what one would expect to see on the typical prehistoric campsite, historic herder camp, or rock art panel. These items sometimes are slighted during data collection and analysis because they do not fit a pattern. As outliers, they are insufficient for a meaningful distributional or comparative study, but their presence enhances a more holistic view of the earlier cultures. Some examples of such features and artifacts include unusual rock art figures, concentrations of historic metal strips and discs, and artifacts indicating peg-held skin lodges.

Lamberson, Kristen (University of Wyoming), Derek Anderson (Pennsylvania State University), Mia Lyren (Hunter College) and Lisa Rogers (University of Central Florida)

THE RE-INVESTIGATION OF HELL GAP B 2003 STUDIES

Located on the Hartville Uplift of southeastern Wyoming, Hell Gap has been occupied for 11,000 years. This site is unique because it provides a continuous Paleoindian stratigraphic record from approximately 13,000 to 7000 years ago. Last year's excavations continued to focus on localities I and II. Excavation at the Locality I block has begun to document the validity of the components recognized by Harvard University's study in the 1960's. More significantly, the excavation is beginning to demonstrate the presence of additional Paleoindian components. The primary artifact classes in the recovered assemblage are chipped stone and bone. However, we are beginning to document spatial variability of this material that will likely have site formational significance. In addition, the presence of a wider diversity of fauna is being documented by the study, and butchering of canids. Finally, at Locality II, a test unit continues to yield additional data about Paleoindian occupations in the portion of the Hell Gap Valley.

Laughlin, John (University of Wyoming) and Dewey Baars (Wyoming Archaeological Society)
INVESTIGATIONS ON THE ORD RANCH, WYOMING

Portions of the Ord Ranch, located northeast of Guernsey, Wyoming, were surveyed during the summer of 2002. Results of the session included mapping of a stone circle site consisting of around 100 individual circles, and the identification of other stone circle localities. Two non-stone circle localities were also identified which have the potential to produce significant buried deposits. A cut bank profile at one locality contained approximately four meters of deposits with lithics and bison bone found throughout the studied profile. The second locality contained significant numbers of lithics some of which were refit or conjoined during subsequent analysis. Further work on the Ord Ranch has the potential to provide significant information about prehistoric life on the Northern Plains.

Nahas, Barbara (Wyoming Archaeological Society)
SENTINEL'S OF THE LAND

Who are the avocational archaeologists? They are the ones who volunteer their considerable talents, enthusiasm, and energy to organizations that need assistance in preserving the past. They are the soldiers who watch over the land because it is important for archaeological and historical sites to be understood and protected no matter whose land they're on. These are the people who work with the professionals and historians throughout the country on such diverse activities as archaeological excavations and survey, historic structure restoration, and analysis and curation of artifacts. They are the ones the professionals count on.

Schoen, Jamie and Merry Haydon (Bridger-Teton National Forest)
THE RAID LAKE SHEEP MASSACRE

The range wars of the late 1800s and early 1900s were often times a brutal conflict between cattle ranchers and sheep herders. As prime grazing lands became over crowded and over grazed, sheep herds took their flocks deeper into the mountains in search of lush summer pastures. These range wars came to a head in 1902 on the west slopes of the Wind River Mountains when a group of local cattlemen corralled and killed 2000 head of sheep. The incident became known as the Raid Lake Sheep Massacre, and a series of photographs taken in the early 1900s document the massacre and resulting bone bed. The site was revisited in 2001 to map and re-photograph the site, and investigate the status and condition of the bone bed and deposition rates in this high elevation setting.

Tatman, Joshua L. (University of Wyoming)
DIFFERENTIATING HUMAN AND NON-HUMAN IMPACTS ON LEPORID REMAINS-A COMPARISON OF RABBIT BONE CAVE (48PA202) AND WOLF DEN CAVE FAUNAL ASSEMBLAGES

Recent taphonomic research has revealed indicators of human and non-human action on large mammal bone. Largely neglected, taphonomic study of small mammal remains also has a potential to aid in the differentiation of human and non-human impacts on faunal remains in archaeological assemblages. Two sites from Wyoming, Rabbit Bone Cave (48PA202) and Wolf Den Cave have the potential to reveal taphonomic indicators of human and non-human behavior in leporid remains. Trends in species composition and fracture patterning diverge in these culturally impacted and non-cultural assemblages of leporid remains.

2003 Abstracts
Sheridan, Wyoming
 

ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE: ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE IN THE

FITZPATRICK WILDERNESS, FREMONT COUNTY, WYOMING

Over the past two summers, archaeologists, students, and volunteers located and recorded12 cultural resources in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness above 9,800 feet above sea level in the first two years of a cooperative effort by the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist and the Shoshone National Forest. Most of the recorded sites contain soapstone artifacts such as bowls, bowl preforms, tubular pipe preforms, or enigmatic artifacts. While chronologically diagnostic artifacts show that the area was used seasonally for many thousand years, soapstone bowls are a relatively recent phenomenon and are associated with the Sheepeater Shoshone. I conclude by comparing and contrasting Wyoming's indigenous soapstone industry with the Gabrielinos of southern California.

MEGAQUARRY (39LA259): THE ON-GOING SAGA OF A LITHIC MATERIAL SOURCE

Legard and Miller initially recorded MegaQuarry in 1983 as a lithic scatter. Subsequently it has been recognized as a lithic material source (i.e., quarry), site boundaries have been expanded, and recent human impacts have occurred. Current investigations (highlighted in the Masters and Baars papers) resulted in recording additional features that may be associated with the MegaQuarry site. These features include a nearby campsite, a water source that might have been available prehistorically and a hearth within the MegaQuarry site boundaries. The new discoveries and other previously recorded area sites have the potential to contribute to the knowledge of the prehistoric use of areas adjacent to lithic source sites.

39LA259: A LITHIC PROCUREMENT SITE IN THE NE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Site 39LA259 is a high quality chert source in the northeastern Black Hills of South Dakota. Recent surveys have greatly expanded the boundaries of the quarry area. The material from the quarries is in the form of nodules that formed in the dolomite of the Minnelusa Formation. The nodules are fine-grained chert, white to tan to gray in color, some with a pink hue. The quarry area at 39LA259 covers a rectangular area about one half mile by one mile and includes over (?) individual pits. An examination of known prehistoric sites in the Minnelusa Formation may reveal the importance of this formation as a lithic material source for the Black Hills and surrounding area.

SHOOTING A DEAD ANTELOPE: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF PROJECTILE SIZE AND VARIABILITY OF BREAKAGE

During the fall of 2002, an experimental study was undertaken at the University of Wyoming looking at understanding projectile point variability in the archaeological record. The questions the experiment sought to answer were: 1) how does size affect projectile point longevity/durability and 2) why is there variability in the size of recovered projectile points from archaeological sites. Ten 2.5cm points and ten 5cm points were knapped, hafted, and shot by bow into an antelope carcass. The points were fired repeatedly until their penetrative form was compromised by breakage. The 5cm points average 1.1 shots each while the 2.5cm points averaged 1.8 shots each. One variable that emerged as a key factor was thickness-to-length ratio. The 2.5cm points were considerably thicker compared to their length than the 5cm points were and lasted longer before final breakage.

TREASURE CAVE: A PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF ITS ARTIFACTS AND

SIGNIFICANCE IN OBSIDIAN DISTRIBUTION

During the early 1960s, two individuals observed artifact rich sediments being disturbed in a cave in the northern Black Hills of South Dakota. For the next two years these individuals attempted to salvage the remains from the front of the cave for future study. These artifacts were recently given to the State Archaeological Research Center, Rapid Cit, for curation and analysis. The assemblage is temporally equivalent to the Late Archaic/Early Late Prehistoric Period and is a remarkable collection of wood tools and other organics as well as a large percentage of obsidian cores, debitage and tools.

DATA RECOVERY AT 48NA465

During spring of 2000, an archaeological monitor of stream realignment construction

activities, conducted by Umetco Minerals Corporation, discovered exposed, uncovered deposits of buried Prehistoric features and artifacts on a series of Late Holocene stream terraces on upper East Canyon Creek in the Gas Hills of central Wyoming. Archaeological excavations conducted throughout the summer and fall of 2000 and spring of 2001 resulted in the investigation of four cultural components consisting of: 63 cultural features, 217 stone tools, 11,706 pieces of lithic debitage, two hammerstones, nine small fragments of ceramics (not potsherds), 688+ bone fragment including bison and deer/pronghorn, and a large freshwater mussel valve. Radiocarbon sampling and diagnostic tools provided dates from the Late Archaic and Late Prehistoric cultural periods from approximately 3,120 to 1,120 years B.P. The large sample of features and lithics is a data set that provides insight into Late Archaic cultural adaptations in the eastern Gas Hills region of the Wind River Basin. Analysis of the features indicates the occupants utilized a well-developed roasting pit technology for hot-rock utilization and processing floral and faunal foods. The lithic source study of the wide range of materials recovered from this site explores procurement, mobility, and trade that brought local and exotic goods through this region. Activities at the site include hearth and roasting pit utilization, hunting, butchering, hide processing, plant food processing, hotrock use, lithic tool manufacturing and maintenance, and lithic raw material procurement.

DANGLING LEGS PETROGLYPHS, NATRONA COUNTY WYOMING

A rockshelter in central Wyoming (48NA3535) contains numerous late period petroglyphs. The main panel is dominated by large rectangular bodied humans. Some are clearly males, all have upraised arms, but none holds a weapon. The back wall continues to be affected by natural erosion. One human's feet were found on a detached block on the shelter floor. This is a prime example of significant rock art sites being lost to nature, but it is also a good example of the amount of data these impacted sites still have to offer.

A CANID FOOT BONE BEAD MANUFACTURING AREA AT SITE 48CA1366

Beads and/or tubes produced from metacarpals and metatarsals of large dogs or wolves have long been recognized as a trait at Northwestern Plains archaeological excavations. William Mulloy reported their occurrence from Pictograph Cave and George Frison excavated them at the Kobold, Big Goose Creek, and Piney Creek sites. Contract excavations by John Albanese and the Archeology Lab, Augustana College at 48CA1366, a site on coal mining property along the Belle Fourche River south of Gillette, revealed a workshop area exclusively devoted to the manufacturing of these kinds of ornaments. A hearth, stone tools, canid foot bone bead debris, and red ocher were recovered from excavations in a small area of the site. Analysis revealed a  possible manufacturing process for these beads. Ceramics from the site indicated possible affiliations to Middle Missouri tradition sites along the Missouri River and radiocarbon dates placed the component between A.D. 1390 and 1440.

PREHISTORIC QUARRIES: A 21ST CENTURY APPROACH

A large prehistoric lithic quarry, 39LA259, was recorded in 1983 in the northeastern Black Hills. The quarry has been revisited several times since, but the rudimentary maps prepared during these investigations did not illustrate the actual number of quarry pits or their geographical extent. An extensive effort was made this past year to map all of the quarry pits and associated features using global positions systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS). This presentation will explain the technology used and the problems encountered. The effort resulted in an extension of the site boundaries and improved understanding of this particular quarry.

PALEOINDIAN TO POTTERY: A PREHISTORIC SITE DISTRICT IN SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYOMING

In the 2000 field season, Current Archaeological Research recorded a group of sites in the Jonah Gas Field near Pinedale, Wyoming, that resulted in the definition of Prehistoric Site District 48SU4000. Encroaching well field development poses a threat of vandalism to rare and significant cultural resources through increased access of the area to the public. The district is situated around a system of bedrock outcrop ridges that create numerous rock-sheltered areas. The site areas are dense with surface cultural material scatters including five site localities with a prehistoric ceramic presence, two of which contained approximately 500 sherds each. Other rare artifact classes are represented in the site district including two projectile points typed to the Paleoindian Period. A wide range of activities are implied by the broad representation of cultural material and feature types documented thus far that include toolstone procurement, tool manufacture, floral and faunal resource processing, pottery use and possible manufacture, habitation, hunting, trade, communal meeting and ceremonial activities. Test units placed in collapsed rock shelters confirmed the existence of substantial cultural deposits. A significant potential in the site district for preserved Paleoindian deposits, otherwise perishable organic cultural material, possible human interments and data relevant to paleoecological reconstruction is indicated by this initial inventory and limited testing.

THE CIVIL WAR IN ARCHAEOLOGY

Union and Confederate military burials from the Civil Ware are still being discovered. This program will explain how archaeological, forensic anthropological, and historical research can help identify military unit, individual identity, and cause of death.

PLAINS WOODLAND PRESENCE IN THE PINE BLUFFS ESCARPMENT

Peterson, Marcia L. and Charles A. Reher, University of Wyoming

Plains Woodland sites are found throughout much of the western Plains, but in the westcentral High Plains these sites seem to demonstrate that this also was by far the most prolific prehistoric occupation. The High Plains Archaeology Project has identified more than 20 Woodland sites in a small portion of southeast Wyoming, and this presentation will focus on 14 Late Plains Woodland manifestations that are scattered along about 12 linear miles of the Pine Bluffs escarpment. Diagnostic artifacts including small, corner-notched projectile points and cord-marked ceramics were used to identify the Late Plains Woodland components. Site types range from large, stratified campsites such as the Pine Bluffs Site (48LA312) and Seven Mile Point (48LA304), to smaller open camps, other lithic/ceramic scatters, and rock shelters. Especially notable are extremely large concentrations of fire cracked rock from extensive use of roasting pits. A series of

radiocarbon dates from several sites will be presented, along with discussion of artifact assemblages, settlement patterns, and other relevant research areas. Though the Late Plains Woodland period has been studied in some detail, much remains to be learned regarding their presence on the High Plains.

LIFE ON THE ROAD: A DECADE OF ARCHAEOLOGY ALONG HIGHWAY 24 IN THE BEAR LODGE MOUNTAINS OF WYOMING

Beginning in 1992 with a cultural resource inventory of 27 miles along Highway 24 in the Bear Lodge Mountains of Wyoming, TRC Mariah Associates recorded 82 prehistoric and historic sites. Alternating field seasons of test excavations and data recovery has occurred since 1994. Thirty four sites have been tested for NRHP eligibility and project effect and data recovery has occurred at 16 sites. A suite of radiocarbon dates in the project area document habitation from the Early Archaic through the Late Prehistoric, with an increased use during the Late Archaic. Prehistoric site types identified include a stratified multicomponent rockshelter, numerous open campsites and lithic procurement locations, and a bison butchering site. Lithic material types analysis has provided information on lithic procurement strategies in Bear Lodge Mountains. This presentation summarizes the culture history of the Bear Lodge Mountains based on the data collected over the past ten years.

EXAMINATION OF MID-HOLOCENE CLIMATIC MODELS IN SOUTHWEST WYOMING

Geoarchaeologists differ on their reconstruction of the mid-Holocene climate of Southwestern Wyoming during the Archaic Period (6,000-4,000 years ago). Specifically, Eckerle argues for much drier conditions associated with the Altithermal, whereas Miller argues for a wetter climate associated with the Neoglacial. An alternate method for addressing climate change, independent of geoarchaeology, would be useful. My paper examines pollen data collected by Cultural Resource Management firms at sites in southwest Wyoming for the presence and frequencies of plants that indicate different environmental conditions. Fluctuations and proportions of indicator species such as Sarcobatus, Artemisia and Cheno-ams depict the nature of the climate during this two thousand-year time period. Each species prefers different growing conditions, with Sarcobatus growing in the most xeric environments followed by Artemisia and Cheno-ams. The frequencies and percentages were compared from site to site and to modern samples collected at each site to provide an independent test of mid-Holocene climatic models.

2002 Abstracts
Riverton, Wyoming
Click Here For the Full Program.

SHEEPEATERS AND SOAPSTONE UTILIZA­TION IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE ECO­SYSTEM

At the time of Anglo contact, the Shosho­nean people known as Sheepeaters specialized in making a living in the mountains in and near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Pedestrian bands, accompanied by pack dogs, trapped big horn sheep and pursued bison deep in the moun­tains. Historic accounts by trappers and mountain men mention soapstone (also known as steatite) bowls among the few possessions of the Sheepeat­ers. In Wyoming's Wind River Mountains, sources of soapstone occur above tree-line, in prime big horn sheep habitat, and on the forest's edge near bison migration routes. The Sheepeaters (and prehistoric people before them) made pots, bowls, pipes and other artifacts from this soft rock. During a preliminary reconnaissance, we identified previ­ously unknown soapstone sources, a wide variety of artifacts, and information on procurement and manufacturing techniques.

MAPS, NOTES AND HISTORIC REFERENCE FOR THE STATE OF WYOMING: INFORMATION DISCOVERED ON GOVERNMENT LAND OF­FICE (GLO) OFFICIAL PLATS AND RELATED HISTORIC SURVEY NOTES

Mapping has long been an important part of archaeological methodology. With the emer­gence of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the importance of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) has become evident as a solid base layer for mapping purposes. As interest has grown in the location of the historic trails that cross Wyo­ming, more attention is being given to the original GLO surveys. While helping the Bureau build the Geographic Coordinate Data Base (GCDB), I have discovered far more information can be found on these plats and in the field notes of these historic surveys than first believed. It is my intent to disseminate some of the more interesting notes and share a few of the more important archaeological locations I have found on GLO plats, thus illustrating the importance of involving GLO surveys into historic research.

ANALYZING NATURAL AND CULTURAL PATTERNS OF MACROFLORAL REMAINS FROM THE SAND DRAW DUMP FEATURES (48FR3123) HAS YIELDED INSIGHTS INTO ADDITIONAL PATTERNS OF HEARTH USE/FUNCTION

Twenty‑seven features, dating to the Late Prehistoric Period, were excavated and analyzed in five centimeter increments. This was undertaken to see if any patterns were present; be it macrofloral remains, the number of insects per level, char­coal preservation, pH variation, if the presence or absence of FCR affected preservation, and if soil particle size and soil texture influences preserva­tion. The results indicated that there are predict­able patterns. When the results are not typical, this sometimes can allow one to see additional patterns into hearth use/function.

FREDERICK: A LATE PALEOINDIAN COMPO­NENT AT THE HELL GAP SITE, LOCALITY I

Allison Byrnes (Department of Anthropology, Uni­versity of Wyoming)

In this paper, I will discuss my examination of the flaked stone assemblage from the late Paleoindian Frederick component at the Hell Gap site (48 GO 305), Locality I. As little is currently known of the Frederick complex specifically and of late Paleoindian manifestations in general, a description and characterization of this large assemblage is pertinent to discussions of late Paleoindian adaptations on the Plains and elsewhere. I will clarify some issues concerning the spatial, stratigraphic, and cultural aspects of the Frederick component, with an emphasis on using refitting and Minimum Analytical Nodule Analysis to identify types of tool production activities and the flow of materials and tools into and out of the site.

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF FAUNAL REMAINS RECOVERED FROM SOUTHSIDER SHELTER, BIGHORN COUNTY, WYOMING

Pamela M. Huter (Department of Anthropology, University of Wyoming)

Preliminary analysis of faunal elements from Southsider Rockshelter in the western foothills of the Big Horn Mountains provides information as to possible animal species used by prehistoric in­habitants of the area. Initial investigations of the assemblage include element and species identifica­tion to attain minimum number of individuals and frequency of elements for each species to identify processes leading to presence of species. Addi­tional notation of fetal specimens is addressed to discuss seasonal occupation of the site.

THE FREMONT AND PLANT RESOURCES ALONG THE COLORADO WYOMING BORDER

Recent work in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado is demonstrating the extent of maize agricultural may be extended into the canyons of the Green River. This paper will look at how the Fremont used plant resources along their northern frontier to ex­tend their occupation northward. We will synthesize the results of recent excavations and surveys to explain the nature of Fremont agriculture north of the Gates of Ladore on the Green River.

OVERVIEW OF POWDER RIVER BASIN ROCK ART

Rock art sites occur infrequently in the Pow­der River Basin of Wyoming and Montana and are dominated by petroglyphs on sandstone formations. Sites in the Montana portion of the Basin are dominated by post-horse rock art, which also occurs on the Wyoming side of the line as evidenced by horse prints at the newly recorded SA Creek Petroglyphs. The Daly Petroglyph site at the northern end of the Basin in Wyoming is characterized by large incised figures dating after the bow and arrow, but mostly prior to white contact, and the southern Pinnacle Rocks site is dominated by shield figures of different styles and contexts. Additionally, we recently recorded the first petroglyph boulder in the region during an energy related survey. The general diversity of kinds of figures within the geographic area suggests no uniformity of style, culture, function, or age.

FREDERICK TO FOLSOM: A FAUNAL ANALYSIS OF THE 1999 AND 2001 HELL GAP EXCAVA­TIONS

The 1990's saw resumption in excavations at the Hell Gap Site (48GO305). These were designed to gain a better understanding of earlier work conducted in large part by Harvard University. Presented here are the results of a faunal analysis of 171 specimens recovered during excavations at Locality I in the summers of 1999 and 2001. Data from Locality I are analyzed to determine whether or not parallels exist between Harvard's findings and the more recent work conducted at Hell Gap. Results show a heavy reliance on bison throughout all investigated levels with an increase in smaller species (deer etc.) occurring later in the Paleoin­dian period.

FRESHWATER MUSSELS IN WYOMING AR­CHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Situated at or near the headwaters of both the Atlantic and Pacific Coast drainages, Wyoming streams are not well known for their freshwater mussel diversity. Currently there are two species of mussels recognized in western rivers and three species in eastern rivers. One additional species is reported archaeologically. Mussels have been used for food and their shells for raw material in the production of beads, pendants, and other orna­ments through a long span of Wyoming prehistory. Wyoming archaeologists have a "spotty" record of reporting such basic mussel characteristics as the correct species name, numbers of specimens re­covered, and identification of left or right valves of the shell. This presentation will describe the natural history of freshwater mussels and catalogue the archaeological time periods and sites where their usage has been most pronounced.

NOTES FROM THE FAR SIDE: PUBLIC AR­CHAEOLOGY PROJECTS ON THE BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST

The Black Hills National Forest has spon­sored several archaeological and historic pres­ervation projects with the goals of learning about the past, retrieving archaeological data at risk, and involving the public in management and preserva­tion of cultural resources. In the summer of 2000 the Forest and the University of Wyoming began a long‑term research project at the multi‑component Williams Spring site in the northern Black Hills. This open‑air site contains evidence of human oc­cupation from Paleoindian to homestead periods. In the summer of 2000 a restoration project was initiated on historic Curran's Cabin with the help of volunteers. Test excavation projects at archaeo­logical and historic sites have been used to expose school students, including American Indian youth, to archaeology.

2000 ANNUAL MEETING

TAPHONOMY OF THE FETTERMAN MAMMOTH

1996 ABSTRACTS Presented at Rock Springs, Wyoming

RUSSEL L. TANNER AND DAVID T. VLCEK; BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

PICTURING THE PAST: PREHISTORIC AND HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN ROCK ART OF THE GREEN RIVER BASIN IN WYOMING

Native American rock art sites are being located with increasing frequency in Wyoming's Green River Basin. Over 35 sites are now known. Rare loci contain dozens of panels and hundreds of figures while the more common occurrence is a few panels containing several drawings. Although most of the sites are petroglyphs, a few pictographs have been found. There is evidence that some petroglyphs may have been painted as well as incised into rock faces. A simple chronological arrangement of rock art images is presented. Information concerning population dynamics and exchange networks as reflected in rock art is considered. Cultural and material influences from, and upon, outlying population groups are postulated. Future research goals are presented.

J.D. "SAM" DRUCKER; UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

A PREHISTORIC CONCEPT OF SHOPPING AT HOME: A SOURCE ANALYSIS OF ALBANY COUNTY, WYOMING

This paper begins a preliminary investigation into the lithic sources of Albany County, Wyoming. Little work has been done in this county, and the writer, being a long term resident of the region has a deep interest in the archaeological significance of his home territory. Several important sites lie in Albany County, such as the Jimmy Allen, Willow Springs Bison pound and camp, and several dry cave sites. However, the question of sources of chipable stone has barely been touched as it has in other important archaeological areas such as the Powder River Basin, Big Horn Mountains, Green River Basin and the Red Desert. This research will give us a start into understanding the mobility or trade of the prehistoric residents of the Albany County area, and the sources of their stone implements. Forty-three sites, 21 parent materials and 278 individual pieces of lithic material have been analyzed for use in this research, and all are found within the confines of Albany County.

CHRIS HALL; UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

THE BEEHIVE SITE: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE FAUNAL ASSEMBLAGE

The Beehive site (48BH346) is located on the western flank of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. The preliminary analysis of the faunal assemblage from the site, suspected to be Avonlea in age, reveals much about the procurement and utili-zation of big game animals in this area. Three questions are addressed in this pa-per: 1) the site's formational history as indicated by non-cultural modification to the bones; 2) comparison of the differential butchery and processing of size class three and four animals; and 3) some preliminary statements on the differential procure-ment and use of these animals by Avonlea groups.

RYAN HOWELL; UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

PLAINS WOODLAND PERIOD PROJECTILE POINTS AND SOUTHEAST WYOMING LITHIC PROCUREMENT

The cultures that inhabited the Northwest Plains in the Plains Woodland Period are an enigma in Plains archaeology. Little has been published on the period and studies of the Plains Woodland time period are hampered by the lack of a definite lithic diagnostic (i.e. Projectile Point) typology. Instead, most Woodland taxonomies are based on ceramics variation. Theoretical "complexes" and "phases" are described lacking information that lithic analysis can provide about ethnicity and territory. These cultural constructions must be considered incomplete at the very least and possibly invalid if they are based on only a limited part of the available evidence. Preliminary analysis of projectile point morphological attributes, artifact material type and material source area indicate that the "typical" Plains Wood-land projectile point has a convex blade shape and a convex blade shape and range between 17.0-27.0 mm long and 11.0-15.0 mm wide. Lithic material source utilization varies from site to site but distance from source does not seem to have a linear connection to source utilization. There is also preponderance in use of the local and generally poorer quality tertiary chert instead of the fine-grained material avail-able from more distant sources. This paper presents a preliminary study of Plains Woodland projectile points and Plains Woodland period lithic resource procurement strategies in hopes of providing a foundation from which a complete typology of Plains Woodland projectile points and a clearer understanding of Plains Wood-land period cultural territories can be constructed.

ROCHE M. LINDSEY (WESTMINSTER, COLORADO)

THE SHEPPERSON CACHE SITE: CACHE IN THE BANK

Prehistoric lithic caching on the High Plains is little known or understood. In north-east Wyoming, several caches have been recovered in recent years, yet were re-covered by collectors so that only limited information could be obtained. The Shepperson Cache site has evidence of multiple caches in seemingly very predict-able locales and in an area some distance from any known lithic sources. Surface diagnostics and arroyo exposed profiles attest to the fact this is a multiple component site spanning the terminal Paleoindian through the Late Prehistoric periods. Of the known sites in the area, The Shepperson Cache site is unique, and the caches in this site do not adhere to current projections of prehistoric economic strategies.

PATRICE WHITE; UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

TECHNOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION AT BARGER GULCH (5GA195): A LITHIC PROCUREMENT SITE IN MIDDLE PARK, COLORADO

The Barger Gulch lithic procurement area is a multi-component site as the result of long-term utilization by prehistoric hunter-gatherers. The site is located in the Middle Park of Colorado, a high altitude intermontane basin in the Rocky Mountains. Though largely a surface manifestation, the site lends itself to the study of technological organization of mobile groups in high altitudes. This paper examines some current theory concerning lithic procurement behavior, proposes modification to the current theory, and introduces the analytical methods to be applied to the data collected in the field season of 1995.

JUDSON FINLEY; UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

HYMENOPTERA HADES: THE BLACK MOUNTAIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX

The Black Mountain site complex located in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming provides much information about prehistoric chipped stone procurement and utilization in this region. Human occupation of the area has been documented from the Late Paleoindian through Late Prehistoric periods. Throughout the past, the Black Mountain area was important for the collection of high grade Phosphoria Formation cherts as raw material. Investigations at the site examine how activities related to subsistence were conducted across the landscape that includes several rock shelters, stone circles, and lithic workshops.

DUDLEY GARDNER; WESTERN WYOMING COLLEGE

THE EVANSTON CHINATOWN

This presentation will provide a brief synthesis of what has been uncovered in the Evanston Chinatown during the past two years. We will briefly look at the structural configuration at the site and define activity areas uncovered to date.

Click Here for the Program and Abstract PDF

1995 ABSTRACTS Presented at Saratoga, Wyoming

ANNE K. ARMSTRONG; University of Wyoming What's For Dinner?: An Initial Analysis of the Faunal Remains from Block 1 Excavations, Fort Laramie National Historic Site Quartermaster Dump

The investigation of faunal remains can help determine what was being consumed, the economic structure, ethnicity and general health of a cultural group. The University of Wyoming Fort Laramie Project began in the summer of 1994 with mitigation of the Quartermaster Dump, just downstream from the main fort area. Faunal remains recovered from Block 1 excavations are in association with dump episodes from officer's row during the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to identify what portions or cuts of meat the military officers at Fort Laramie were eating and if these were higher grades than their enlisted men were eating.

WILLIAM CURRENT; Current Archaeology A Case Study: Magnetics as a Means of Discovering Buried Prehistoric Sites within Eolian Deposits

A study to determine the feasibility and reliability of gradiometers to detect buried cultural sites with eolian contexts was conducted in the LaBarge-Big Piney area. This study, conducted at seven locations, indicates that the correct magnetic equipment coupled with the proper sampling strategy is an effective supplement to current methodology for detecting buried cultural sites with little or no surface expression.

JUDSON FINLEY; University of Wyoming Heat Treating of Chipped Stone Material: An Example From the Lookingbill Site

 Heat treating of lithic raw materials is a procedure that has been known to have been practiced prehistorically in both the New and Old World. At the Lookingbill site (48FR308), investigators have identified this process in the chipped stone assemblage. Experimentation on cherts local to the Lookingbill area have demonstrated that heating improves knappibility and affects the appearance of chipped stone. Analysis has shown this procedure was most likely to have occurred while in a bifacial reduction stage.

CHRIS HALL; University of Wyoming The Hudson-Meng Site: A 10,000 year old B. bison antiquus Bonebed In Northwestern Nebraska

The Hudson-Meng site is located in northwestern Nebraska and represents one of the largest accumulations of B. b. antiquus bones in North America. Originally investigated in the 1970s by Dr. Larry Agenbroad, the site was interpreted as a humanly produced kill and meat processing area. However since that time, archaeologists have developed new, more advanced methods of investigating such sites. In 1990, Drs. Lawrence Todd and Dave Rapson, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, began new excavations at the Hudson-Meng site. After four seasons of excavations, it has been found that many of the original interpretations may have been incorrect. This paper reviews how those original interpretations have been changed in light of the new evidence that has been uncovered at the Hudson-Meng site.

JASON M. LaBELLE AND LAWRENCE C. TODD; Colorado State University Current Reinvestigation of the Glenrock Buffalo Jump (48CO304) Faunal Assemblage

The Glenrock Buffalo Jump, a late prehistoric bison jump located in east-central Wyoming was excavated and published by Dr. George Frison in a 1970 Plains Anthropologist Memoir. The report is a much referenced and important foundation work concerning late prehistoric hunter-gatherer economies on the Northwestern Plains, as well as being one of the first sites in the United States where faunal analysis played such a primary role in site interpretation. Within the last decade, changes in the methodology of analyzing faunal remains have made reexamining previously documented materials appropriate. Portions of the Glenrock material have been systematically coded and catalogued with taphonomically oriented procedures in mind. Current reanalysis of the faunal remains includes the documentation of humanly induced modifications (dismemberment marks, marrow extraction impacts) and natural modifications (such as carnivore chewing, weathering, etc.). The differentiation between these factors of modification can help clarify procurement strategies used by these late prehistoric hunters. Also, frequency counts of male and female elements help evaluate models of selective procurement within the archaeological assemblage. Three elements, the humeri, humeri, and metacarpals, provide a preliminary baseline for formulating interpretation of prehistoric utilization of the Glenrock site bison.

PATRICK M. LUBINSKI; University of Wisconsin, Madison Pronghorn, Bison, Rodents, and Rabbits: Prehistoric Hunting in the Wyoming Basin.

What were the important animals for Wyoming Basin foragers? Given the aridity of this area compared to the grasslands of the plains, are bison a relatively insignificant

resource? Preliminary examination of 96 radiocarbon dated faunal assemblages, from Paleoindian to Protohistoric, indicates that bison, rabbits, rodents, and pronghorn were the predominant mammalian resources throughout prehistory, although there are several trends across time and space. Ongoing analyses of five possible pronghorn communal kill sites are beginning to provide data that will address the hypothesis that pronghorn were subject to increase use and effort in the Late Prehistoric period.

RUSS TANNER; University of Wyoming and Bureau of Land Management Who Built the Little Rock Houses?: An Ethnoarchaeological Examination of Architectural Features at Several Overland Stage Stations in Southwestern Wyoming.

Architectural attributes discovered during excavations at the Salt Wells Stage Station on the Overland Trail in Sweetwater County and subsequently recognized at other Overland stations have been determined to be of Scotch-Irish origin. Roof and wall construction techniques and floor paving are virtually identical to construction techniques developed by the "Ulster Scots" for the building of small farm houses and barns in barren regions of Northern Ireland. It appears that Overland Stage Company owner Ben Holladay, himself a Scotsman, may have been aware of these techniques and hired craftsmen to built structures according to that plan. In any case, the structures along the Overland trail have been discovered to be much better constructed than was previously thought.

ALAN WIMER; University of Wyoming A Discussion of Paleoindian Tool Kits from The Wyoming Basin

Surface collections from six sites in the Wyoming Basin have yielded an extensive example of the Paleoindian tool kit. Both formal and expedient tools make up the assemblage which is discussed in reference to form, function, and lithic material selection.

Click Here for the Program and Abstract PDF

 1988 Titles
Riverton, Wyoming

Click here for the entire program

ARCHAEOLOGY AS A DEVELOPMENT TOOL AT THE WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON [OR BUTCH CASSIDY'S HOME IN LARAMIE]. JEFF HAUFF.

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF A 19^TH CENTURY NATIVE AMERICAN INFANT BURIAL. DEBRA ELWOOD.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO HEAT TREATMENTS OF VARIOUS CHERTS. B KYLE BABER.

THE LADDIE CREEK SITE: EARLY PLAINS ARCHAEOIC OCCUPAION IN THE BIGHORN MOUNTAINS. M. L. LARSON.

HISTORIC JAPANESE SITES IN WYOMING, WITH A FOCUS ON RAILROAD CAMPS AND COAL MINING CAMPS. A. DUDLEY GARDNER, DAVID E. JOHNSON, AND MARKIA MATTHEWS.

FREMONT OCCUPATION IN THE NORTHERN GREEN RIVER BASIN, WYOING: THE CALPET ROCKSHELTER [48SU3541]. JULIE E. FRANCIS.

A STUDY OF PREHISTORIC PLAINS WOODLAND OCCUPATION ALONG THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER IN CENTRAL WYOMING. MARK E. MILLER.

ISLA PUNA:SEA MERCHANTS' HINTERLAND. CARL SPATH

MUMMY CAVE REVISITED. SUSAN S. HUGHES.

A FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF CAIR FEATURES. MICHAEL A. NASH AND JAMES M. WELCH.

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF CAMP PAYNE AND RICHARD'S TRADING POST [1852-1965]. DAVID ECKLES.