Ongoing research at Little Elk

Peg Meier | Star Tribune
May 4, 2000

Research is ongoing at the Little Elk Heritage Preserve. Examples:

Animal-remains study. Occupants of the fort got most of their food from the woods, the river and the grassland openings rich in game. Researchers are studying animal remains (bones, teeth, antlers, fish scales) to learn what kinds of animals and habitats were being used for food and how diets changed with the seasons.

Bead research. Glass beads were common trade items in the Old Northwest. Archaeologists are studying beads to help date the time of the fort. Similar studies are being done in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. They're trying to determine how different types of beads were used where and when, from the late-1600s to the mid-1800s.

Comparative studies. Archaeologists are testing the notion that the remains are of Fort Duquesne. They are comparing evidence found there with archaeological materials recovered at a French-colonial fort on Minnesota's Lake Pepin from 1750 to 1756.

Climate studies. With another mild winter behind us, everyone is talking about climate changes. Archaeologists are studying historical records for the middle of North America between the mid-1600s and 1900. They're looking for clues on how climate may have influenced events at Little Elk and elsewhere in Minnesota.

Remote sensing. A new way to learn from the site will be available soon. Archaeologists are using sophisticated electronic equipment that can give them computer images of what's below ground.

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		Ongoing research at Little Elk Peg Meier \| Star Tribune May 4, 2000 Research is ongoing at the Little Elk Heritage Preserve. Examples: Animal-remains study. Occupants of the fort got most of their food from the woods, the river and the grassland openings rich in game. Researchers are studying animal remains (bones, teeth, antlers, fish scales) to learn what kinds of animals and habitats were being used for food and how diets changed with the seasons. Bead research. Glass beads were common trade items in the Old Northwest. Archaeologists are studying beads to help date the time of the fort. Similar studies are being done in Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. They're trying to determine how different types of beads were used where and when, from the late-1600s to the mid-1800s. Comparative studies. Archaeologists are testing the notion that the remains are of Fort Duquesne. They are comparing evidence found there with archaeological materials recovered at a French-colonial fort on Minnesota's Lake Pepin from 1750 to 1756. Climate studies. With another mild winter behind us, everyone is talking about climate changes. Archaeologists are studying historical records for the middle of North America between the mid-1600s and 1900. They're looking for clues on how climate may have influenced events at Little Elk and elsewhere in Minnesota. Remote sensing. A new way to learn from the site will be available soon. Archaeologists are using sophisticated electronic equipment that can give them computer images of what's below ground.
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