Archaeological Excavation at the Fish Lake Dam Site: Year 2000.

Abstract

The Fish Lake Dam site (21 SL 15) is a multicomponent site on both banks of the Beaver River immediately downstream from the Fish Lake Reservoir. It is important in that the stratified layers of sediment have preserved archaeological materials from aU major cultural traditions in northeastern Minnesota; the potential for researching general questions of cultural sequences and activities make the site important. Excavations were conducted in 2000 as part of an on-going program of research, education, and cultural resource management. This third year builds on and adds to the information gathered from a series of projects. Year 2000 efforts focused on the terraces on the east bank of the Beaver River. A substantial Woodland Tradition component was uncovered, including a fire hearth where pottery firing seems to have occurred. Earlier Archaic materials were also recovered at greater depths, showing that this area as well as others excavated earlier have intact multicomponent deposits. A rock concentration at depth is unique at the site; further exploration is planned. The Fish Lake Dam site has much integrity of deposits in spite of early reports of disturbance by historic activities. The potential for research questions on many topics has been demonstrated with the invaluable assistance of volunteers and students. The project has successfully melded three components of archaeology - research, education, management - to retrieve significant data on the history of this region.