About Us

The Archaeology Department is responsible for the collection, interpretation and curation of artifacts and information pertaining to the history of the area. The Archaeology Department is continuing to develop and maintain both a research document collection and an artifact collection. These are available to the general public and research institutions. Please contact the Archaeology Department for more information.

Collections Access

Access to the collections is limited and all interested individuals or institutions are asked to contact the Archaeology Department about your requests, prior to arrival. All requests for access to the research documents and / or collections must be received in writing no later than 30 days prior to arrival. Please submit your request directly to the Archaeology Department briefly stating the intended purpose for the visit, what document or item(s) you wish to view, and your planned arrival date. An Archaeology Department representative will be in contact with you. Requests received by e-mail, fax, or letterhead are all appropriate.

Current Research Projects

James L. Fisk Expedition of 1864 and Fort Dilts

A wagon train bound for the Montana gold fields from Minnesota that was besieged by Native Americans as it crossed through SW North Dakota in 1864. The immigrants hastily built a sod breastworks for protection from attack which can still be seen today.

Stanley Railroad Survey of 1873

One of our projects relates to the Northern Pacific Railroad surveys under the guidance and protection of General David S. Stanley and George A. Custer.

Custer's 1874 Black Hills Expedition

We also study the route of travel and Little Missouri River exploration connected with this expedition and things that have been found.

Relocation and mapping of former townsites

We have a project started and going on that is the relocation and identification of early townsites, schools, post offices, churches and stage stations within our region.