Appraisal of the Archeological Resources of the Glen Elder Reservoir, Mitchell and Osborne Counties, Kansas

Ralph Solecki

Appraisal of the Archeological Resources of the Glen Elder Reservoir, Mitchell and Osborne Counties, Kansas

Year: 1952

Summary

During the period September 16-19, 1952, a preliminary archeological reconnaissance of the Glen Elder Reservoir in Mitchell and Osborne Counties, Kansas. The purpose of the reconnaissance was to locate and record archeological remains likely to be destroyed or damaged by the construction of the reservoir. No particular emphasis was placed upon the paleontological resources of this reservoir since a preliminary paleontological survey had already been made.

The work consisted of surface collecting and small scale test pitting. Local inquiry was made at nearly all of the inhabited farm houses within the reservoir area for possible information leading to known archeological sites and/or local collections of artifacts. The entire reservoir, about 11 airline miles long, was covered by reconnaissance.

A total of 17 archeological sites were located in and around the reservoir area. Of this number, 2 sites were situated outside the limits of the reservoir, and therefore will not be endangered by the operattions of the reservoir construction. A total of 453 potsherds, 58 chipped stone artifacts of all classes, 1 shell bead and 4 other worked objects were recovered. Two sites (14ML4 and 14ML18) are not within the reservoir area and are not included in the project for salvage archeology. Of the remaining number, there are 7 sites that should be excavated or explored.