Geophysical Investigations of a Historic Iowa Family Cemetery (14BN111), Brown County, Kansas

Summary

The geophysical investigations of a family cemetery (14BN111) in Brown County, Kansas, were initiated by the National Park Service in response to a request from the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska executive committee. A meeting and site tour were held with the tribal chairman and executive committee staff members, tenant farmer, and Midwest Archeological Center (MWAC) Archeological Assistance and Partnership Program archeologist on January 15, 2004. This visit was to assess the feasibility of the application of geophysical techniques to the identification and evaluation of the Campbell cemetery. During the week of March 22, 2004 and on April 1, 2004, the author, a MWAC archeologist, conducted geophysical investigations at the Campbell family cemetery (14BN111). Geophysical investigations, including magnetic gradient, resistance, conductivity, and ground-penetrating radar surveys, were conducted at the cemetery location identified by the Iowa Tribe executive committee chairman and vice-chairman.

During the investigations, 400 square meters were surveyed with a Geoscan Research FM36 fluxgate gradiometer, a Geoscan Research RM15 resistance meter and PA5 multi-probe array, a Geonics EM38 ground conductivity meter, and a Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI) TerraSIRch SIR System-3000 ground-penetrating radar system with a 400 mHz (GSSI Model 5103) antenna on the GSSI Model 623 survey cart. A vertical resistivity sounding was also conducted with a Gossen Geohm 40D resistivity meter. The project area was mapped with a Nikon DTM-730 field station. The survey resulted in the identification of subsurface magnetic gradient anomalies, resistance anomalies, conductivity anomalies, and ground-penetrating radar anomalies. Several geophysical anomalies were identified in the four complementary data sets. The disturbed area within the western half of the geophysical grid and the presence of several gravestones suggested the location of graves associated with the cemetery. All four data sets identified the location of the pre-1970s cemetery fence on the south and east side of the cemetery. During the geophysical survey, additional archeological investigations of the area indicated the presence of a prehistoric site. A small triangular projectile point, several pieces of lithic debitage, and two ceramic sherds were observed.

This report provides an analysis of the geophysical data collected during four days at the site. Since 14BN111 represents a known historic Iowa tribal cemetery associated with the Campbell and Dupuis families. The site is a multi-component site with the late 1800s family cemetery and a prehistoric occupation. Additional archeological investigations in the form of excavations are not recommended at the present time. Should there be any development on or near the cemetery, then a research design needs to be developed for the implementation of archeological excavations to determine the nature and extent of this cemetery and the prehistoric component.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Midwest Archeological Center Technical Reports

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