Historic Archaeology

10,000 Lakes Archaeology, LLC is experienced in excavating and researching a variety of archaeological sites, ranging from historic to precontact, habitation to industrial. Our staff has conducted Phase I surveys, Phase II testing, and Phase III mitigations throughout Minnesota for a variety of clients, including developers, private corporations, and local, state and federal agencies. 10,000 Lakes Archaeology understands preservation legislation and compliance issues, and efficiently produces high quality products for our clients. We also meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications for archaeology, history, and architectural history.

National Register District Assessment

In 2000-2001, a 10,000 Lakes Archaeology, LLC Principal Investigator helped evaluate the historic Carlsbad Irrigation System. This gravity-fed canal system extended from the Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico, supplying the farmers and ranchers in the area with water. Pat Garrett, former Lincoln County, New Mexico sheriff and Charles B. Eddy, a successful cattle rancher, formed the Pecos Irrigation and Investment Company in the late 1800s. The canal system first carried water in 1890, and, although the Pecos Irrigation and Investment Company ultimately failed, the system was maintained and continues to function today.

In 1964 the Carlsbad Irrigation District was designated a National Historic Landmark and in 1996 it became a National Register of Historic Places Historic District, based on its dams and main canals. However, no assessment of the entire system took place until this study. These investigations involved documenting hundreds of miles of canals, including the canals’ linings, dates of construction, and water control features such as sluice- and head-gates, resulting in the recommendation that the entire system and associated buildings be included in the Carlsbad Irrigation District National Historic Landmark.

Historic Artifact Analysis

In 2004 and 2005, 10,000 Lakes Archaeology, LLC took part in excavations at the Lincoln Mounds site in Bloomington, Minnesota. This project attempted to determine whether any portion of the mounds recorded at the turn of the 19th century remained intact in this highly developed urban environment. This testing was conducted in very close consultation with the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, Dakota communities, and the Office of the State Archaeologist. Although the primary purpose of the project was to ascertain whether burials were present, a secondary goal was to document the 19th century Lincoln farmstead also present at the site.

By the end of the excavations, a large number of historic artifacts had been collected, and several features (including a  house foundation, trash pits, and a possible privy) had been documented. Through the winter of 2004-2005, 10,000 Lakes Archaeology, LLC analyzed the historic component of this relatively early Minnesota farmstead.