Archaeology and Cultural Resources
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands have a rich cultural history, reflected in archaeological sites spanning multiple periods, including the Paleoindian, Plains Archaic, Plains Woodland, Plains Village, Equestrian/Fur Trade Era, and Historic Homesteading. Archaeological sites from these different periods provide insights into the past.
What is Archaeology?
Archaeology is the scientific study of the human past through the systematic recovery, analysis, and interpretation of material remains, including artifacts (tools, pottery), architecture, and environmental data. Archaeological sites are locations where these material remains are found.
Archaeology in the Grasslands
The archaeology mission in the DPG focuses on locating, managing, and interpreting over 11,500 years of human history, from Paleoindian to early European settlement. The program emphasizes the conservation of prehistoric sites, the protection of artifacts, and the provision of educational and interpretive opportunities. Some archaeological sites are investigated for research; this research tends to focus on site types that are not well understood in western North Dakota.
Key aspects of the archaeology mission include:
- Site Management: The Forest Service monitors and protects significant archaeological sites from construction, erosion, and vandalism, with a conservation focus.
- Cultural Resource Documentation: When an archaeological site is discovered, it is recorded and evaluated for potential inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Preventing Looting: Educating the public that collecting artifacts, such as projectile points, is prohibited without a permit.
- Collaboration: The Forest Service works with nine Tribes and the North Dakota State Historic Preservation Office to manage archaeological sites on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
- Interpretation: Developing interpretive, informative sites (e.g., Initial Rock) for the public.
Casual Collecting in the Grasslands
Wondering if you can collect fossils or artifacts found in the grasslands? Learn more on the Casual Collecting in the Grasslands webpage.
Metal Detecting in the Grasslands
Before heading out, please review the USDA Forest Service guidelines to ensure your metal detecting activity is allowed and does not disturb cultural resources on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Culture and History in the Grasslands
Discover History in the Grasslands
The history of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands is a story of human and natural change spanning thousands of years, from prehistoric Native American cultures to European settlement and beyond. Visit the Discover History page and learn more about events that shaped the grasslands.
Prehistory on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands: An Overview
The Prehistory on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands: An Overview, by Mervin G. Floodman MA, provides a more in-depth exploration of the prehistorical periods, including the Paleoindian (11,500-7,500 BP), Plains Archaic (7,500-2,400 Before Present), and Plains Woodland (2,400 BP-1200 AD).
The History of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands - An Overview
The History of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands - An Overview 2011 by Thomas J Turck MS, RPA, focuses primarily on the period from 1700 to 1950.
Historical Sites in the Grasslands
The Birnt Hills Overlook
The Birnt Hills Overlook Interpretive Site marks the approximate location of where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition camped in 1805. While the original campsite is now submerged under Lake Sakakawea due to the damming of the Missouri River, the overlook offers a vantage point to view the location and learn about the expedition.
Custer Trail Auto Tour
The Custer Trail Auto Tour is a scenic self-guided tour through the Little Missouri National Grasslands that follows the path of historical military expeditions, including George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry.
Sully's Waterhole Interpretive Site
On August 8, 1864, General Alfred Sully and his Northwest Indian Expedition troops settled down at a site where stagnant rainwater collected after a long, hot day filled with Sioux attacks on their procession. These events were a prelude to the Battle of the Badlands.
Battle of the Badlands Interpretive Site
The site of the Battle of the Badlands fought between the United States cavalry, led by General Alfred Sully, and a coalition of the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes on August 7-9, 1864.
Initial Rock Interpretive Site
Initial Rock was an overnight campsite for George Armstrong Custer's men on May 28, 1876, on their way to the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. Two soldiers, W.C. Williams and F. Neely, carved their name initials on a rock still present at the site.