United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 8
1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80295
EPA-908/3-79-003
&EPA

-------
EPA-908/3-79-003
NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF
VILLAGE SITE 39BK7, OAKWOOD LAKES STATE PARK,
BROOKINGS COUNTY, EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
by
John W. Greer
Principal Investigator
- Axcheologixal-Serv-ices
P.O. Box 1188
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
Conducted for the
Environmental Protection Agency
Denver, Colorado
Purchase Order //W0-8-0611-A
May 1979

-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed Dy Region VIII, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for pub-
lication. Mention of trade names :r commercial products
does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for
use.
DISTRIBUTION
Document is available to the publi; through the National
Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161

-------
Table of Contents
Page
List of Figures	iii
List of Tables	iv
ABSTRACT	1
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA	2
DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE	,5
HISTORY OF THE SITE	7
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS	9
The Archeological Literature	9
Dr. W. H. Over	10
Kenneth Hammer	10
Lyle Cheever	12
Steve Ruple	12
THE 1978 A.S. INVESTIGATIONS	13
Determining Horizontal Extent and Complexity	26
Determining Vertical Extent, Complexity, and Integrity	26
Excavation of Feature 1	29
ARCHEOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS	38
NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION	40
Horizontal Extent	40
Vertical Extent	40
Integrity	4l
Horizontal Complexity	42
Vertical Complexity	43
Quantitative Complexity	43
Qualitative Complexity	44
Representative of Broad Patterns	of the Regional History 44
Associated with the Lives of Important Persons	44
Representative Example of a Site Type or Period	45
Potential to Contribute Additional Useful Information	45
National Register Eligibility	46
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION	4 6
PROPOSED IMPACT	47
PROPOSED MITIGATION OF IMPACT	47
REFERENCES CITED	51
ii

-------
List of Figures
Pig.
1.
The area of 39BK7-
Page
3
Fig.
2 .
Site 39BK7s showing observed surface indications.
6
Fig.
3.
Artifacts from 39BK7-
2H
Fig.
4.
Profile of portion of exposed western bank, including
Feature 1.
28
Fig.
5.
Profile of Feature 1.
31
Fig.
6.
Feature 1, bison pit, upper level.
32
Fig.
7.
Feature 1, bison pit, lower level.
32
Fig.
8.
Views of site 39BK7. a, area of Test Pit 2 (looking NW
from Feature 1). b, clearing western bank above Feature
1, Test Pit 1 (looking NNW) .
33
Fig.
9.
Feature"! during excavation. a, profile of exposed
western bank after initial clearing of dark humus
overburden cultural deposits, b, plan view of male
bison bones after initial cleaning.
3^
Fig
10.
Feature 1, during excavation, a, oblique view of
exposed bones, b, detail of mandible arrangement.
35
iii

-------
List of Tables








Page
Table
1.
Materials
collected
from
39BK7
by
Kenneth Hammer.
14
Tab le
2.
Materials
collected
from
39BK7
by
Lyle Cheever.
15
Tab le
3.
Materials
collected
from
39BK7
by
Steve Ruple.
16
Table
4.
Artifacts
recovered
from
39BK7
by
Provenience.
19
iv

-------
NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION
OF VILLAGE SITE 39BK7, OAKWOOD LAKES STATE PARK,
BROOKINGS COUNTY, EASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA
by
John W. Greer
ABSTRACT
In October 1978 Archeological Services performed a National Register
evaluation of site 39BK7 in Brookings County, South Dakota. This was done
for the Environmental Protection Agency in their Oakwood Lakes Bank Stabili-
zation Project, which will affect a small portion of the archeological village.
The site is believed to be significant and eligible for the National Register.
Minimal exploratory archeological work is recommended in the direct impact zone
before construction begins; other areas of the site should be avoided.
INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency in Denver, Colorado, requested a
formal test of archeological site 39BK7 in Brookings County, South Dakota,
to assess its significance and determine its eligibility for the National
Register of Historic Places. This included (1) a review of the existing
literature and records pertaining to the site, (2) testing of the site suf-
ficient to determine its eligibility for the National Register, (3) analysis
of the data collected, and (4) compilation of all data into a project report.
Fieldwork was conducted by Archeological Services, P.O. Box 1188, Laramie,
Wyoming 82070, in October 1978. During this time the weather was cool and
dry, with strong west winds, making field conditions quite cold. The soil
1

-------
was relatively dry and easily screened. Surface ground visibility overall
was generally poor (est. 1-5%), except in bare vehicle trails, where it was
80-100%. Numerous rodent burrows over nearly the entire site area gave an
excellent indication of the distribution of cultural debris from their back
dirt piles. Analysis of artifacts and other collected materials was carried
out in October and November 1978.
John Greer, Director of Archeological Services, served as principal
investigator and directed field operations. Members of the field and labora-
tory staff include David Eckles, JoDee Eckles, and Mavis Loscheider. David
and JoDee Eckles analyzed the artifacts and faunal remains and prepared the
preliminary manuscript text and figures for the project. In all, 12 person-
days were spent on location in the field, and 25 person-days were spent in
analysis and initial preparation of the report. Additional time was spent in
project planning, field preparation, travel, and other miscellaneous duties
pertaining to the project.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
The site is located in the SW/NW 8-T111N-R51W, Brookings County, South
Dakota (Fig. 1), atop a small bluff which rises about 20-30 feet above the
present level of Lake Tetonkaha. The site occupies the area from the bluff
east to a marshy area between Lake Tetonkaha and Oakwood Lake, north to
Round Lake, and south to a marshy area of Lake Tetonkaha. The site covers
an area approximately 1200 x 1300 ft or approximately the AO acres lying
between the three lakes and surrounded by marshland (Fig. 2) .
2

-------
Slough	H
T 112 N
Uj
7 111 N
^ (r * \
site 39BK7
$
£
f 6** —
— —hi 67 J
1000	J000	3000	4000	5000	6000	7000 fitT
] kilOmCTE»
CONTOUR INTERVAL 10 FEET
Fig. 1. The area of site 39BK7 in SW/NW Sec.8, T111N, R51W,
Brookings County, S.D. USGS 7.5' Bruce, S.D. (1968).
SOUTH DAKOTA
*


GN
if
L

in m
?6 MILS '
!
3

-------
The northern third and western half of the site are covered with a dense
growth of tall prairie grasses (Fig. 8,a). The remainder of the site is a
thick growth of planted cedar and other trees. Several stands of hardwoods
also dot the area. Dense stands of cattail are present along the lake shores.
Soils of this area consist of a dark, rich humus topsoil which extends
to a depth of 50 cm. Below this is a compact yellow sandy soil, in the
lower section of which caliche has begun to form. All cultural materials
were found throughout the dark humus soil zone, with greatest concentration
just above the base of the zone. Lithology of the site area is one of gla-
cial shales and gravels.
Several permanent water sources occur in the site area. Lake Tetonkaha,
Oakwood Lake, Round Lake, and Mortimer Slough are all glacially formed lakes
adjacent to the raised site area.
Mammalian fauna of the site area in prehistoric times would have included
bison, antelope, elk, deer, beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, raccoon, gopher,
squirrel, porcupine, prairie dog, cottontail, jackrabbit, skunk, wolf, and
various small rodents. Many of these species still inhabit the area (Lehmer
1971: 55).
Waterfowl are still numerous in the area; in fact, the site area is on
one of the major flyways for migratory waterfowl. Several species of fish
occur in the area, as well as amphibians, reptiles, and species of fresh-
water mussels.
4

-------
DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE
The site covers an elevated area surrounded by glacial lakes and low
marshland (Fig. 2). Its eastern portion is crossed by a paved park road,
which has caused considerable damage to the adjacent cultural deposits.
Also adjacent to the road is the partially disturbed remains of what appears
to be a large, culturally constructed earthen mound, about 50-80 ft in diameter
and 5-8 ft tall (exact dimensions are impossible because of the disturbed nature
and because it is placed on a secondary raised area, giving it added size).
Part of the site is now in tall prairie grasses, with concentrated
rodent activity. In these rodent burrowings can be found numerous bison
bones from the prehistoric occupation of the site. Other portions of the
hill area are in dense trees (mainly cedar) and undergrowth, making passage
difficult. In the few areas of subsurface disturbance (mainly rodent bur-
rowing) there is, without exception, evidence of prehistoric cultural use,
almost invariably indicated by bison bone fragments. The site is also crossed
by a series of vehicle trails, all of which contain cultural debris.
The western side of the site is composed of a high, eroded bank over-
looking Lake Tetonkaha. Cultural materials can be seen in the lake shore
bank and in the numerous vehicle trails. In addition, local collectors and
archeologists familiar with the site state that house depressions can be
seen in the grassy area at certain times of the year.
The purpose of the present phase of work was to more fully evaluate
the site and better determine its descriptive features and contents. The
remainder of this report deals with further description of the site.
5

-------
ROUND LAKE
mound
TP-2
I*
f'/H (o
TP-l (F-l)
silo
M/
VI/
V/
V/
LAKE
TETONKAHA
marsh
bone fragment, mostly bison
(each dot represents a separate
location, usually an animal burrow)
\»/
VI/
chipped stone flake or artifact
mussel shell fragment
300 ft
aboriginal potsherd
test pit by Ruple 4/78
Fig. 2. Site 39BK7, showing observed surface indications.
6

-------
HISTORY OF THE SITE
Site 39BK7 has a fairly long history which has been pieced together
from several informants (especially Lyle Cheever, Kenneth Hammer, Adrian
Hannus) and minimal field work. This section outlines what is known of the
site.
The site apparently was first occupied during the early part of the Late
Period, presumably in what is known as the Great Oasis phase. A buried zone
in the site appears to be the most concentrated occupational debris dating
to prehistoric times and is composed of bison bones, lithic tools and debris,
and other by-products of a village situation. Materials are also scattered
throughout the deposits and at least in the past were abundant across the
surface of the site. From projectile points, it appears that more than one
occupational period is represented here, and likely the site was also occupied
in protohistoric times. The age of the large mound on the east side of the
site is unknown.
The site was then occupied in Historic times, at least as early as the
late 1800's. Lyle Cheever reports that during that period there was an
old farmhouse in the saddle in the southeastern part of the site near the
present paved park road. Old ceramics and glass in the northwest and south-
west parts of the site might also date from this time, suggesting that there
might have been early structures in those areas also, but no record of them
has been found.
In the 1920's and early 30's there was a north-south row of six summer
or recreational cabins near the west side of the site and overlooking Lake
Tetonkaha. Apparently there were stones associated with them, as outlines,
decorations, or parts of their foundations. During this time and prior
7

-------
to it, the whole hill was covered with trees. During the Depression in the
1930's, however, there was a severe drought, Lake Tetonkaha dried up, most
of the trees died, and the cabins were abandoned. Since then, nearly all
remains of the cabins have been removed, leaving only scattered bits of
historic material, such as metal fragments, broken glass, and historic cer-
amics. Much of the northern and eastern portions of the hill are now in
tall prairie grass, although the dense tree growth appears to be spreading
back again. Either during the period of the cabins, or sometime thereafter
(said to have been in the 1940's or 50's), several "fir" trees were planted
on the hilltop; these are still present.
Construction has also taken its toll on the site. A silo has been dug
into the raised area just east of the mound and on the east side of the road
(Fig. 2). Construction of the park road, now paved, removed part of the
eastern side of the mound and adjacent cultural deposits. During this road
work, first in about 1947 and then again in 1974, a bulldozer removed part
of the mound and about 1 ft of dark topsoil (the cultural deposits) on the
north side of the mound for road fill. A bulldozer cut was also made on the
west side of the mound, where there was an old dirt road; that is now aban-
doned. The operator noted bones in the disturbed deposits. A small gravel
pit also existed on the south side of Round Lake, essentially just outside
the northeast edge of what is believed to be the site boundary.
The site area has long been the focal point of artifact collectors,
both as devoted relic hunters and as interested local persons. In recent
years, Lyle Cheever, a concerned local amateur archeologist and collector,
has kept his eye on the site in a protective manner, and it is his concern
with preservation of the local cultural values which has directly led to
8

-------
the present work. Steve Ruple of the Historical Preservation Center, office
of the State Historic Preservation Officer, performed the initial profes-
sional survey of the area and recorded the site. These investigations will
be summarized in the following section.
PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
Over the years, the site has received considerable attention, albeit
mostly from artifact collectors. We are lucky to have made contact with
two of these concerned persons: Lyle Cheever and Kenneth Hammer. Other
persons who have visited the site include Adrian Hannus (local archeologist)
and Steve Ruple (office of the State Historical Preservation Officer).
The Archeological Literature
The available professional literature was reviewed for references to
previous work in the area of the site. As is discussed below, Sigstad and
Sigstad (1973) mention Dr. Over's early work in the general area of the
Oakwood Lakes Park, although he did not specifically report on site 39BK7.
Over's early work showed that the area was greatly utilized by late
prehistoric peoples who apparently were settled into small villages and
buried their dead in large, but low circular mounds.
Other works specifically dealing with eastern South Dakota and
western Minnesota, with Middle Missouri cultural developments and trade
patterns, and with Woodland and Great Oasis investigations and syntheses,
and more general works providing synthesis statements on the area as a
whole, were reviewed for information directly useful to the problems of
9

-------
previous investigations at this site or information crucial for the problem
at hand — the determination of National Register eligibility or potential
importance of site 39BK7. While such literature was informative for an
understanding of regional problems, its synthesis is not necessary to accomplish
the present investigations or evaluation, and therefore is not included here.
Dr. W. H. Over
The earliest record of an archeologist doing work in the area is that
of Dr. Over, local historian interested in the archeological cultures of
his area. In 1902 he visited several sites in the area and partially exca-
vated a mound just southeast of Lake Tetonkaha. He was undoubtedly aware
of site 39BK7, but his field notes do not specifically refer to the site
(Sigstad and Sigstad 1973).
Kenneth Hammer
Hammer is an informed collector and one who is intimately knowledge-
able of the Oakwood Lakes area; he is presently professor of Economics at
the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Hammer grew up in the Oakwood area
and has long known of and collected from the site. A small group of artifacts
which he picked up last spring on 39BK7 was examined and recorded during this
field season; those are described in Table 1 (also Fig. 3, a-e). Particularly
noteworthy are the tiny end scrapers of Knife River Flint (KRF), the small
spokeshave, and the relatively large amount of pottery. In addition, Hammer
reports the following materials from the site mainly from vehicle trails,
10

-------
animal burrowings, or the western cutbank:
1.	A full-grooved stone hammer was found in the western bank in the vicin-
ity of Feature 1. It is of rough granite-like material (greenstone?),
is about 7 inches long and 7 inches in diameter, well smoothed, with
one end and one side flattened. It weighs about 8 pounds.
2.	A large stone knife was found on the shoreline, apparently just below
Feature 1.
3.	The distal halves of two identical gray stone polished celts were found
on the hilltop, presumably near the western bank or nearer the mound.
These are circular in cross section and have bits about 2 inches wide;
if complete they would be about 7 inches long (both fragments are about
4 inches long).
4.	His aunts, who lived on or near the site in about 1900-1920, described
finding "shoe boxes full of arrowheads" before the site was so well
picked over. Hammer reports that he has collected innumerable artifacts
from the site over the last 20 years or so.
In addition to the artifactual information which Hammer has supplied,
he states that for years one has been able to see several localized changes
in the grass which indicate the locations of earth lodges. These are mainly
visible toward the silo; one is about 100 ft west of the mound, or adjacent
to the concentration of bone fragments and debitage recorded during the
present investigations. Adrian Hannus has also reported seeing vegetational
changes in apparently very slightly depressed areas, indicative of small
earth lodges.
11

-------
Lvle Cheever
Cheever is a retired judge in Brookings and an avid collector and pro-
tector of the archeological information in his area. He has a small collec-
tion from the site; this was observed and recorded during the present season
(Table 2; Fig. 3, f-i). Cheever also has knowledge of the site area, since
he has been familiar with the site and has collected from it for several
years.
Steven Ruple
When the site was threatened with partial destruction by the proposed
project, Judge Cheever intervened as a concerned citizen, pointing out the
need to adequately record, and thereby preserve, any information in danger
of being lost due to federal action. Steve Ruple, Historical Preservation
Center of the office of the State Historical Preservation Officer, performed
the initial survey of the various sites to be affected by the proposed con-
struction. At that time (April 1978), assisted by six students from the
University of South Dakota, where he also teaches, Ruple recorded the site
(his Area //1) and excavated seven half-meter test pits across the western
portion of the site to determine its structure and content and provide a
tentative evaluation of the site's significance. He also made a series of
6-inch auger tests between his test pits and the western edge of the site.
All tests contained cultural material (Table 3; Fig. 3, j-o), indicating that
the site area is rather large, the deposits are at least 50 cm thick, and
12

-------
there is good probability of National Register significance and a potential
to contribute additional useful information. At that point, Ruple informed
EPA that a full National Register evaluation was warranted, and the present
study is the result of that recommendation. Ruple is preparing a detailed
report on his survey and evaluative testing; some of those results are
included in this report, with Ruple's permission.
THE 1978 A.S. INVESTIGATIONS
The Environmental Protection Agency requested that A.S. revisit the
site in order to fully evaluate the site's potential for National Regional
eligibility. The following subsections describe that field work. In summary,
a detailed site map was made showing the distribution of cultural materials
visible on the surface, two test pits were excavated, and Feature 1 (bison
remains) was excavated. These investigations, together with the previous work
at the site, are considered adequate and sufficient to complete the requirements
of the contract, and to fully evaluate the site's significance.
Artifacts from surface collections and test pits are listed in Table 4
(also Figs. 2 and 3, p-q). The majority of cultural remains are bones from
bison and flakes of cherts and quartzites. Several other animal bones were
found: deer, squirrel, gopher, an owl-sized bird, several frogs, a small to
medium-sized fish, and freshwater mussels. In all, 139 flakes, 2 scrapers,
2 projectile points, 2 cores, and one piece of raw material were found.
Several small pieces of pottery were also found, all body sherds.
13

-------
Table 1. Materials collected from 39BK7 by Kenneth Hammer.
Aboriginal pottery:
35 small plain body sherds; gray, moderately fine paste with quartz
sand temper.
3 cord-warped-paddle body sherds (ca. 3-4 mm between cords), partially
smoothed over.
1 orange sherd, ca. 7 mm thick, fine paste with profuse extremely fine
sand temper and some larger quartz sand; different from any other
pottery from the site.
Bones:
5 bison teeth (young).
Stone tools:
7 small, extremely thin end scrapers of KRF (Fig. 3, a-d); at least 4
resharpened many times and probably discarded as nonfunctional
(ca. 10 mm long, 15-18 mm wide). Some have been reworked until
lateral margin has become the primary worked edge. Undoubtedly
hafted.
1 small, extremely thin end scraper of gray chert, flaking on ventral
face.
1 thin biface tip of white quartzite.
1 small thin biface fragment of KRF.
1 very thin (ca. 2.5 mm) flake with one lateral edge notched into
a wide, hooked spokeshave (Fig. 3, e).
Reported (see text for description):
1	full-groove maul.
2	polished celts.
1 large chipped stone knife.
- numerous projectile points.
14

-------
Table 2. Materials collected from 39BK7 by Lyle Cheever.
Aboriginal pottery:
1 plain body sherd.
1 cord-marked-paddle body sherd (3-4 mm between cords).
Flakes:
4 Knife River Flint (KRF) interior flakes.
1 KRF biface thinning flake.
Stone tools:
1 small KRF end scraper (Fig. 3,f).
1 small KRF flake with bifacial lateral retouch (Fig. 3,g), assymetrical
silica gloss on at least one face and over the flake scars—probably
used as blade-like inset into wooden sickle.
1 small corner-notched dart point (Fig. 3,h), from the E side of the
bone concentration about 300 ft NE of Feature 1; made of gray chert.
1 small corner-notched arrowpoint (Fig. 3,i), from the center of the
open flat ESE of Feature 1; made of light yellowish chert.
15

-------
Table 3. Materials collected from 39BK7 by Steve Ruple.
Provenience Number Description
Gen. Surf. 1
Material
small side-notched dart point (Fig. 3,k);
ground basal edge and corners; hint of
alternate bevelling on left stem edge.
31 x 16 mm
1 thin biface edge frag.
1	bifacially edge-retouched large flake
frag., frag. 40 x 40 x 8 mm
1 bifacially edge-retouched large flake.
50 x 40 x 8 mm
1	thin biface frag. (proj. pt. ?).
30 x 25 mm
1 crude end scraper on cortex flake (Fig.
3,j). 30 x 25 mm
1	small edge-retouched flake. 10 x 20 mm
2	whitepaste earthenware (Historic), one
bowl frag., one yellow decalware with
floral design.
1	aboriginal sherd; very fine-grained paste
with gray core, quartz sand temper, light
orange-brown interior and exterior, sug-
gestion of lightly brushed exterior.
20 x 15 x 5 mm
70 assorted flakes
21 unburned bone frags.
2 burned bone frags.
2 large bison bones from Feature 1 profile.
white chert
white chert
yellow quartzite
red quartzite
red-yellow
quartzite
gray chert
KRF?
chert, quartzite,
quartz, translucent
grayish chalcedony
16

-------
Table 3 (cont., 2)
Provenience Number Description
TP#10	1
1
1
Material
TP//ll
TP//12
TP//13
TP//14
interior flake. 20 x 15 ram
interior flake. 10 x 15 mm
sm. sherd, quartz sand temper, fine-
grained. 20 x 20 nan
1 small bone frag.
1 mussel shell frag. 10 x 20 mm
1 charcoal frag. 5 x 10 mm
1 sm. pebble frag. (Fig. 3,1), one end
very battered, as if to remove flakes
(bipolar). Striking angle etc. looks
remarkably like gun flint, but form
not right. 16 x 22 mm
1	interior flake. 30 x 40 mm
2	shatter?
1 bison tooth frag.
3	interior flakes: 10 x 10 mm
10 x 10 mm
15 x 35 mm
3 burned shatter. 10 x 10 nun
1 utilized biface basal fragment, crude
(Fig. 3,m). 25 x 30 mm (frag.).
1 interior flake (core reduction).
25 x 40 mm
gray chert, burned
pink chert
aboriginal
2
exterior
flakes:
20
X
30
mm
gray chert



15
X
30
•mm
red quartzite
3
interior
flakes:
15
X
30
mm
red quartzite



10
X
20
rain
white agate?



10
X
20
mm
gray chert
bison?
wood
nearly clear,
translucent
chalcedony (?)
pink-orange
quartzite
gray chert
red quartzite
translucent white
chert
white quartzite
white chert
white quartzite
KRF
17

-------
Table 3 (cont., 3)
Provenience Number Description
1 interior flake
Material
TP//15
TP//16
10 x 10 mm
1	burned shatter. 20 x 40 mm
2	long bone frags.
1 burned chunk. 50 x 50 mm
3	bone frags.
1 sm. dart point stem (Fig. 3,o); stem
edges have hint of alternate beveling
on left side; basal width 18 mm
1 sm. end scraper (Fig. 3,n). 20 x 25 mm
1 sherd; very fine-grained paste with gray
core, quartz sand temper, light orange-
brown interior and exterior, suggestion
of lightly brushed interior.
15 x 20 x 5 mm
1 secondary flake. 25 x 35 mm
interior flakes: 5 x 10 mm
10 x 10 mm
20 x 40 mm
red quartzite
pink quartzite
bison
granite
bison
white oolitic
chert
KRF?
aboriginal
greenish-gray
chert
white chert
gray chert
agatized petrif.
wood or light ts
chert
shatter. 30 x 30 mm
white quartz
18

-------
Table 4: Artifacts Recovered from 39BK7 by Provenience
Provenience
Surface
Profile cut back
(North of Fl)
Bone
Bison bison:
Tibia, distal frag.
Long bone fragments (9)
Patella
Vertabra fragments (5)
Bone scrap (considerable)
Metapodial frag.
2nd phalange
Carpal/tarsal (3)
cf. Odocoileus:
Molar
Bison bison:
Skull frag.
Left humerus, distal frag.
Left tibia, distal frag.
Patella
Long bone fragments (10)
Rib fragments (5)
Bone scrap
Test Pit 1
(0-15 cm)
Bison (?):
Bone scrap
Shell
Lithic
Pottery
Mussel:	2 Scrapers:	2 plain body
1 frag.	1 KRF	sherds, sand
1 red quartzite	temper
Flakes:
2 primary
1 cream chert
1	red quartzite
6 interior
4 KRF
2	gray quartzite
Core:	Plain body
I	brown quartzite	sherd, sand
temper
Flakes:
5 primary
4 red/tan quartzite
1 petrified wood
II	interior
8 tan (red/gray) quartzite
1	tan chert
2	basalt
Mussel:	Flakes:
5 fragments	11 interior
6 quartzite
4 KRF
1 basalt

-------
Table 4 (cont., 2)
Provenience
Bone
Test Pit 1	Bison bison:
(15-30 cm)	Bone scrap
Large mammal:
Bone scrap, charred
Rib fragments
Aves (owl sized):
Tibiatarsus
Test Pit 1	Bison bison:
(30-45 cm)	Skull fragments
Molar fragments
Incisor frag.
Scapula frag.
Long bone fragments (4)
Long bone flake
Rib fragments (2)
Bone flake - rib frag.
Bone scrap (some charred)
2nd phalange
Rana sp.:
Tibia-fibula
Radius-ulna
Vertabrae
Ascetabulum
Scapula
Femur
Humerus
Shell
Lithic
Pottery
Arrowpoint,	Plain body
Knife River chert	sherd, sand
broken, resharpened	temper
Late Prehistoric (Fig.3,p)
Core, KRF
Flakes:
3	primary
2	KRF
I	red quartzite
22 interior
II	KRF
11 quartzite
Flakes:
1 primary, basalt
4	secondary
3	KRF
1 basalt
16 interior
6 KRF
9 quartzite
1 basalt

-------
Table 4 (cont., 3)
Provenience	Bone
Test Pit 1	Bison bison:
(45-60 cm)	Long bone frags (3)
Rib fragments (2)
Epithysis
Carpal/tarsal (2)
Bone scrap (some charred)
Test Pit 1
(60-75 cm)
Test Pit 1
Feature 1
(0-15 cm)
Bison bison:
Rib frags
(2 with butchering marks)
Bison bison:
Bone scrap
Small mammal:
radius
Test Pit 1
Feature 1
(15-35 cm)
Bison bison:
Long Bone frag
Molar frag. (2)
Thoracic vertabra frag. (3)
Rib frags. (8)
Costal cartilage frags. (2)
Sternum frag.
Epiphysis
Hyoid frag.
2nd phalange
3rd phalange
Carpal/tarsal
Sesmoids (3)
Bone flakes (6)
Shell
Lithic
Pottery
Arrowpoint
white/gray quartzite
Late Prehistoric
(Fig. 3,q)
Flakes:
2 primary
1 KRF
1 quartzite
5 interior
1 KRF
4 quartzite
Mussel frags (2) Flakes:
1 secondary, KRF
1 interior, quartzite
Mussel frags (6) Flakes:
2	primary, quartzite
3	secondary, KRF
9 interior
5 quartzite
2 basalt
2 baked shale

-------
Table 4 (cont., A)
Provenience
Bone
Shell
Lithic
Test Pit 1
Feature 1
(15-35 cm)
continued
Large mammal:
Thoracic vertabra frag.
Geomys sp.:
Maxilla fragment
Sciurus sp.:
Femur
Radius
Rana sp.:
Ascetabulum
to
N)
Pisces (small to medium
sized fish):
Operculum
Skull fragment
Test Pit 1
Feature 1
(35-70 cm)
Rana sp.:
Tibia-fibula
Radius-ulna
Vertabrae
Ascetabulum
Scapula
Femur
Humerus
Mussel fragment
Knife River chert cobble
Flakes:
1	primary, KRF
2	secondary, KRF
13 interior
6 KRF
1 chert
6 quartzite
Test Pit 1	Bison bison:(remains of almost
Feature 1	entire skeleton)
(50-80 cm)	Tibiae
Ulnae
Radius, R
Scapulae
Patella
Axis
Atlas
5 cervical vertabra
12 thoracic vertabra
Pottery

-------
Table 4 (cont., 5)
Provenience
Bone
Test Pit 1
Feature 1
(50-80 cm)
continued
Bison bison (remains of almost
entire skeleton, continued):
1	lumbar vertebra
2	caudal vertebra
Mandibles
2 upper molars
5 incisors
Hyoid
1st phalange
3rd phalange
10 epiphysis
2 sesmoids
22 ribs
Rib fragments (44)
21 costal cartilage
Test Pit 1
NE corner
Feature 1
(60-75 cm)
Bison bison:
Long bone frags. (2)
Carpal/tarsal
Bone scrap
Test Pit 2
(20-40 cm)
Bison bison:
Sesraoid
Rib frag.
Bone scrap
Test Pit 2
(40-50 cm)
Large mammal:
Long bone frag,
Epiphysus
Bone scrap
Sciurus sp.
Femur
Shell
Lithic
Pottery
Flakes:
1 primary, quartzite
1 interior, KRF
Flakes:
5 interior
3 quartzite
2	basalt
Flakes:	Plain body
I	primary, quartzite	sherd, sand
II	interior:	temper
3	KRF
7 quartzite
1 basalt

-------
cm
I	L
Fig. 3. Artifacts from 39BK7. a-e, Hammer coll.; f-i, Cheever coll. (g,
sickle inset flake); j-o, Ruple coll. (j-k, gen. surf.; 1, TP//12; m,
TP#14; n-o, TP//16) ; p-q, A.S. coll. (p, TP//1, 15-30 cm; q, TP//1, 45-60 cm)
24

-------
Only a few fragments of bison bone show clear butchering marks; no
obviously butchered bone was found in Featurel, however. Only a few bone
scraps were charred. Some bones of bison and other large mammals appeared
to have been intentionally split or battered, and several bone flakes were
found. Several bones and bone fragments show signs of carnivore and rodent
gnawing.
Although the diversity of stone tool types found during this visit
seems low, there is a higher diversity'of stone material types. Lithic
materials found in test pits and on the surface include Knife River Flint
(34.2%), various quartzites (55.0%), basalt (7.4%), and other cherts,
petrified wood, etc. (3.4%).
At this time it is not possible to ascertain cultural affiliation of the
site. Steve Ruple (personal communication 1978) believes that the pottery
from the site (all undecorated) is similar to Great Oasis Plain (cf. Wilford
ms.). He has also found a rim sherd tentatively classified as Great Oasis
Incised (with the typical superimposed groups of parallel lines) at an
adjacent site (his Cedar Grove //I site) . One very small body sherd from
site 39BK7 contains what appear to be cord-wrapped paddle markings which
have been almost entirely smoothed over. This could as easily indicate af-
filiation with other Woodland period ceramic groups. Since the ceramics
observed at 39BK7 are not diagnostic of any one particular classificatory
group, it is impossible to designate cultural affiliation at this time.
The projectile points from the site are Late Prehistoric Period types,
but given the paucity of published material on this region and the lack of
25

-------
specific temporal data (Wilford ms.)» designation of specific type-culture-
age of these artifacts is not yet possible. Dates from the occupation of the
site must await C14 or TL dating analyses, although the site is believed to
date within the A.D. (1000-1400) range (probably 1100-1350, as a guess).
Determining Horizontal Extent and Complexity
The entire site area was intensively inspected, and a large scale sketch
map was made, using the USGS quad as a base map, on which cultural features,
artifacts, and other site characteristics were plotted (Fig. 2). In the
search for surface debris, special attention was paid to exposed areas and
animal burrowings. Shovel tests were periodically made to determine site
boundaries.
Cultural materials were found across nearly the entire raised area,
and therefore it is determined that the site covers approximately 40 acres
and is bordered by lakes and marshland (the 1630' contour). In addition,
cultural materials were most often in concentrations, indicative of hori-
zontal differences within the camp-village area, or definable activity areas.
Extent and complexity are discussed in another section on National Register
evaluation.
Determining Vertical Extent, Complexity, and Integrity
Two test pits were excavated on the western edge of the area to be
directly affected by construction. These were excavated in 10 and 15 cm
levels, all deposits were screened through 1/4-inch screens, and all
cultural materials were saved. They have now been cleaned and placed in
properly labeled containers; they will be permanently stored at the South
26

-------
Dakota Archaeological Research Center. Soil samples for pollen analysis
(for both environmental and possible cultigen data), burned rock and pottery
samples (for thermoluminescence dating), and flake samples for introduced mat-
erial analysis were also collected. These materials will be available for
future analyses, if desired.
Test Pit 1 (TP//1) was a 2 x 2 meter square, placed directly above Feature
1, a possible pit with parts of bison exposed in the bluff face. The purpose
of TP//1 was two fold: (1) excavate Feature 1, and (2) test the surrounding
deposits for cultural information necessary to evaluate National Register
criteria. TP#1 was excavated to a depth of 75 cm from the surface, and an
attempt was made to delineate the Feature 1 pit from above. After location
of the pit boundaries, the pit was excavated, with emphasis on cleaning off
the bison bones in order to understand the nature of the feature (Feature 1
is described in a later section). The surrounding deposits were clearly
cultural and contained the remains of camp or village debris—bones, chipped
stone, tools, and other debris.
Test Pit 2 (TP//2) was a 1 x 1 meter square located about 100 ft northeast
of TP//1. This was excavated to a depth of 50 cm, at which depth the layer of
yellow sand was encountered. Another 20 cm was excavated into the yellow
sand to test for cultural remains, but that layer was found to be clearly
sterile. Both test pits were backfilled to their original condition.
In addition to the test pits, a long portion of the western exposed bank
was scraped back a few centimeters to expose a clean profile showing the strat-
igraphic separations and the distribution of cultural material (Figs. 4 and 8,
b). The locations of cultural debris were flagged and photographed; a pro-
file of this section was also drawn.

-------
Fig. 4. Profile of portion of exposed western bank, including Feature 1

-------
All subsurface testing clearly showed that cultural materials were sparsely
distributed throughout the dark humus zone. The highest density, however,
occurs at about 30-50 cm below the surface, or in the lower 10-20 cm of the
dark humus zone. Within this, especially evident in the profiled bank and
TP#2, the most obvious layer of bones and stone artifacts occurs just above
the yellow sand layer at 44-48 cm deep.
In other words, the cultural materials at the site are in the upper 2
ft of deposits, or are limited to the brown humus zone. This appears to be
the case across much of the site. Obviously the mound would contain thicker
deposits. There is some vertical complexity in that at least one definable,
buried cultural layer is evident from the tests; other materials are scattered
throughout the remaining deposits. Good integrity is evidenced by the re-
maining undisturbed cultural deposits, as well as reports that the main part
of the site has never been plowed or otherwise significantly disturbed. In
place cultural features, such as Feature 1 and the reported house depressions,
indicate additional vertical complexity and general site integrity. These
points are discussed in a later section on National Register evaluation.
Excavation of Feature 1
During Ruple's initial survey of the site in April, 1978, a group of
bison bones was noted in the exposed bank overlooking Lake Tetonkaha. These
were labeled Feature 1. Following EPA contractual stipulations, this fea-
ture was totally excavated during the field work recorded here.
29

-------
This feature was clearly visible in the cleaned cut bank profile as a
steep-sided pit containing the partially articulated remains of a bison (Figs.
5-9) . Test Pit 1 (TP//1) was a 2 x 2 meter square placed above Feature 1
in such a way that the entire feature would be included within TP//1, and the
test pit would additionally serve to sample adjacent, undisturbed cultural
deposits for vertical extent, complexity, integrity, and general content.
The pit was excavated in quarter units in 10 and 15 cm levels; most work was
done by shovel, with finer cleaning with trowel and brush; deposits were
screened through 1/4-inch screens. This continued nearly to the base of the
dark humus soil zone, when the circular outline of the Feature 1 pit was clearly
visible as a mixture of dark humus and yellowish sandy soil; this was at a depth
of about 50 cm, or at a point within what is thought to be the main cultural
layer containing bison remains in this portion of the site. Feature 1 and
the buried zone, therefore, should be approximately the same age.
The Feature 1 pit was excavated, first removing the dark humus fill and
exposing the tops of the bison bones. These were drawn, photographed (Fig.
8,d), and removed, thus exposing the underlying skeletal elements. These,
in turn, were drawn and photographed in place and removed. The remainder
of the pit was then excavated down into sterile soils. Soil beneath the
bones was still the dark humus soil, but with a greater admixture with
the lower yellowish sand; contents included a few bone scraps and some char-
coal flecks. Pit outline, expecially in the lower portion, was irregular,
while the upper portion above the bison bones appeared to be clearly circular,
steep-sided, and with a basin-shaped bottom. That is, it almost appeared
30

-------
compact yellow sands
20
40 cm
I
laminations of
yellow sand
compact tan clay
BISON
mottled soil
with gravels
Fig. 5. Profile of Feature 1 (bison pit).
Cfi Ui
C O
•I
Ml D
0> 3
n
(i cr
ft)
o
c
compart yelLow sands
A
/
/
/
/ *
//


N
tum
compact tan clay

-------
Fig. 6
eaiif of
blur f
10 cm
i	i
Key to bone e1ements
AT-atla*
AX-axi $
CA-c*ud*I vertebra
CC'COStaI cart i1 age
CV-cervicle vertebra
H -humerus
I - i nc i sor
L -lumbar vertebra
M -mand i b1e
HP-mecapod i a I
P -pate 1 I a
PH-phalange
R -rib
RD-rad5us
$C-scapula
TB-tlbia
TH-thoracic vertebra
U -ulna
VS-vertebrat spine
north
edge of
bluff
10 en
Fig. 7
Fig. 6. Feature 1 (bison pit), upper level. Fig. 7. Feature 1, lower level.
32

-------

Fig. 8. Views of site 39BK7. a (top), area of Test Pit 2 (looking NE from
Feature 1). b (bottom), clearing western bank above Feature 1, Test
Pit 1 (looking NNE).
33

-------

Fig. 9. Feature 1 during excavation, a (top), profile of exposed western bank
after initial clearing of dark humus overburden cultural deposits,
b (bottom), plan view of male bison bones after initial cleaning.
34

-------


Fig. 10. Feature 1 during excavation, a, oblique view of exposed bones,
b, detail of mandible arrangement.
35

-------
that a pit about 4-5 ft in diameter and 2-3 ft deep (for placement of the
bison remains) was dug into a previously partially filled irregular pit (per-
haps of natural origin; about 2 ft deeper) containing some occupational trash.
The general appearance of the bone arrangement and general characteristics
of the pit can be seen from the enclosed plan, profile, and photographs.
The following series of observations is intended to provide the necessary
detail on the skeletal remains and their placement.
The skeletal remains are those of a mature male bison lying on its right
side. The existing skeleton is composed of the mandibles, atlas, axis, 5
cervicals, 11 thoracic vertebrae, 1 lumbar vertebra, 2 caudal vertebrae, 22
ribs with their respective costal cartilage, scapulae, humeri, 1 radius, 2
ulnae, 1 metacarpal, 2 carpals or tarsals, 1 first phalange, 1 third phalange,
2 tibiae, and 1 patella. Numerous pieces of bone scrap and rib fragments
were located throughout the pit.
It appears that the skull and the maxillaries had eroded out of the bluff,
for only two upper molars (loose) were found in the matrix. This would prob-
ably have meant that the skeleton was either partially disarticulated at the
time of burial, or it was exposed for sufficient time to allow decay, dis-
articulation, and displacement of parts before eventual burial. The man-
dible (both sides) was located at the base of the feature beneath the distal
end of the right tibia; five loose incisors were located in the matrix.
The atlas (located beneath the proximal end of the right tibia), one
thoracic vertebra, and the two caudal vertebrae were disarticulated from the
vertebral column. The articulated portion of the vertebral column consisted
of the axis, the cervicals, 6 thoracic vertebrae, and nine ribs. The right
36

-------
scapula, humerus, and radius-ulna were found articulated, as one would expect
in a butchered situation. The left scapula and humerus were not articulated
but were in close association with one another. The tibia, patella, and the
greater trochantes of the femur were in the easternmost portion of the pit and
were not articulated. One metapodial, one first phalange, and one third
phalange were the only foot elements present; it is uncertain whether these
are from a fore or hind leg.
The mandible, axis and left humerus showed carnivore damage, resulting
in deep semi-parallel scars and bone flakes (that this damage is attributable
to domestic canines is, of course, possible). Rodents further gnawed on bone
flakes and other skeletal elements. tfo butchering or skinning marks attribu-
table to human alteration were discernable on any bones in Feature Jl.
There are several questions surrounding the interpretation of this feature,
and indeed its assignment as cultural, or simply a natural deposition. When
viewed in profile and when excavated from above, it appears, without much
question, that the pit and its contents must be of human manufacture and use.
The general arrangement of bones and the general appearance suggests, at
least to the excavators, that the animal might represent a winter kill which
was grossly butchered into large pieces and laid in a pit to freeze—it is
a winter meat cache. Butchering marks would not necessarily be present, but
their complete absence is extremely unusual. The direct association of the
skeletal remains with cultural materials in the matrix is suggestive of cul-
tural manipulation, and the charcoal and small bone fragments in the pit
beneath the bones indicates that cultural deposits were present before the
skeleton arrived in the pit. Cultural affiliation seems to be the most
likely explanation, but this interpretation is not definite.
37

-------
There are several questions surrounding the possible natural deposition
of the animal. Indeed, the lack of butchering marks is odd if the animal
was killed and purposefully placed in a pit for whatever reason. None of the
bones were burned, suggesting that the feature was not a roasting pit. The
irregular shape of the pit, at least in the lower portions, raises the ques-
tion of whether this was a natural death, such as a single animal falling
into a gully or arroyo head. Bone flakes found in the feature could have
washed in from the upper cultural deposits.
Perhaps more puzzling is the lack of certain skeletal elements. Bones
from the hind end are generally missing (though perhaps mostly eroded out of
the bank); tibiae and some caudals are present, but femora and the pelvis are
absent. Most foot and ankle bones are also missing. It is doubtful that the
absence of all can easily be explained by erosion. However, if this were a
natural death which carnivores quickly attacked, why were no the leg bones
missing, assuming, as seems usual, that carnivores would remove articulated
portions? The skull could have eroded away, but why are the mandibles
undisturbed in the center of the feature?
Obviously, at this point, there can be no definitive answer. The exca-
vators, however, believe that more evidence points to a winter meat cache
in an existing pit, and the feature is therefore cultural and indicative of
the potential for well preserved, buried features within this portion of the
site.
ARCHEOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
The present work, including both the reported field work and the previous
investigations, has shown what appears to be a large prehistoric village
38

-------
(perhaps Great Oasis Phase or General Woodland Period) which existed on a
low hill in the inter-lake area of the Oakwood Lakes region. Materials are
diverse and appear to indicate rather extensive travel and perhaps more
formal trade agreements with nonlocal or distant peoples. Pottery was generally
simple and of a utilitarian nature. Lithic materials served utilitarian uses,
and included a variety of hunting implements, butchering tools, hammers,
scrapers (especially very small end scrapers), small thin notches, celts,
larger chipped stone knives, and other forms. Houses were perhaps semi-sub-
terranean earth lodge types, but none have yet been excavated at the site.
Pits, as are so common in Great Oasis sites (Wilford ms.), are present here.
One such pit is of questionable interpretation but may possibly be a winter
meat cache in which a bison was grossly butchered and stored for later use.
In general, the economy was strongly oriented toward bison, with secondary
stress on deer, small mammals, large birds, and probably waterfowl, fish, and
mussels. Religious practices of a mega-structural nature—that is, overtly
communal—apparently were conducted here, as evidenced by the large earthen
mound on the east side of the site.
The strongest archeological contribution of the project is to show that
the site is of National Register quality and should be preserved for study
by future generations with advanced techniques and more well-developed
investigative theory. It is sometimes difficult for one to understand that
contributions can be made by protection of the data in an undisturbed state.
However, in this case, it is clear that more would be lost than gained if this
site were to receive additional attention at this time. In-place preservation
is preferred.

-------
NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION
Archeological site 39BK7 is believed to be eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places, according to recognized evaluative characteris-
tics of significance (36CFR60.6). Following are information and evaluations
pertinent to National Register criteria.
Horizontal Extent
The 1978 field work indicates that the site covers approximately 40
acres and is bounded by the low marshy areas and lakeshores surrounding
the raised, hill-like flat area. Cultural materials are scattered over the
entire area and are especially visible in animal burrowings, roadways, and
test pits. Apparent clusterings of materials may be the product of restricted
ground visibility rather than discrete clusterings by occupation or separate
activity areas.
Vertical Extent
Test pits and cleaning of the exposed lakeshore bank clearly indicate
that cultural materials are present throughout the 2 ft (50 cm) of dark brown-
black humus soil overlying a basal sterile yellowish sand-clay zone. Numerous
artifacts reportedly have been collected from the surface of the site, and
several other materials were noted during the field inspection. Animal bur-
rowing, however, is greatly attributable to the density of cultural materials
on the surface. Test pits and profile cleaning all showed cultural material
to be most concentrated about 40-50 cm deep, in the lower part of the thick
humus surface zone. Bones, flakes, and other materials were additionally
40

-------
scattered throughout the upper levels, but possibly mostly by animal dis-
turbance. The great quantity of materials previously collected from the
site would argue for an additional concentration—that is, remains of an
occupation—near what is now the present surface. In other words, it appears
that more than one occupational zone may be represented within the vertical
extent of the site.
Integrity
The site is relatively undisturbed, and integrity is believed to be good.
Disturbance has, however, resulted from several causes and should be kept in
mind during future management and additional explorations:
1.	It is obvious from the dissected nature of Feature 1 and the exposed shore-
line bank that in the last several hundred years the western portion of
the site has eroded into the lake. How much has been destroyed by erosion
is unknown.
2.	Small rodent burrowing is extensive over the entire site and has resulted
in considerable displacement of cultural materials.
3.	Recreational cabins, and apparently older farm houses, used to occupy
the site. This would presumably cause considerable surface disturbance
and might disturb subsurface deposits around possible foundation posts
and excavated pits (storage, trash, recreational, etc.).
4.	The mound on the east side of the site has been cut into during road
work. The main, central portion, however, appears to be reasonably in-
tact. Extensive excavations would be necessary to fully evaluate the
integrity of this feature.
41

-------
5.	During road work several years ago, bulldozer cuts and intensive stripping
were done on the south, southwest, and northwest sides of the mound,
thus removing some cultural deposits and disturbing others. Careful
examination of the area, however, suggests that many of the western
deposits associated with the mound may still be reasonably intact.
6.	The area has been extensively and intensively surface collected by relic
hunters and amateur archeologists. Surface integrity has been essentially
destroyed, if indeed there was significant material from a separate occu-
pation there. It is believed that there may have been, but evidence neces-
sary to evaluate is now limited to subsurface deposits, materials, and
features.
Horizontal Complexity
The site consists of a large area of cultural debris from one or more
occupations during one or more periods. Aboriginal, early (?) historic
materials from farmsteads, and more recent materials from recreational cabins
and contemporary campers trash are scattered about the site in what appear
to be concentrations with definable boundaries. Bones, sherds, flakes, and
other prehistoric materials are most evident in animal burrowings but appear
to occur in certain areas more than in others. This would argue for identi-
fiable activity areas, village activity patterning, (e.g., formal dump areas),
or definable village structuring (e.g., house placement). In addition,
collector Kenneth Hammer and archeologist Adrian Hannus have reported that at
various times during the year grass color changes and slightly depressed areas
are recognizable, indicating the locations of earthlodges or the remains
42

-------
of other forms of aboriginal structures. These structures were not verified,
since they are outside the project's impact area. The existence of Feature 1
shows that occupational features relating to subsistence (and perhaps other)
activities are scattered about the site. In addition, the presence of the
large mound in the eastern part of the site indicates a more complex village
pattern than a simple hamlet or scattering of trash in discrete clusterings.
There is, therefore, ample evidence of considerable horizontal complexity
within what is thought of as a prehistoric village (with at least one
occupation in at least one time period), with additional, later historic
period and contemporary reuse.
Vertical Complexity
The cultural deposits at the site are about 2 ft (50 cm) thick and contain
numerous materials from previous occupations, particularly dating from pre-
historic times. Test pits and exposed profile cleaning indicate that at least
one definable buried cultural zone is present, and additional buried materials
may be attributable to additional, as yet undefined cultural strata. The
buried Feature 1 and buried clusters of burned rocks and bone concentrations
are examples of buried cultural features. In addition, there is adequate
vertical deposition for the preservation of buried features from any one
period.
Quantitative Complexity
Faunal remains (especially bison and deer bones) are numerous across most
of the site, indicating extensive areal use. Lithic debris is not so abun-
dant as might be expected, undoubtedly due to previous intensive collection
43

-------
by local citizens interested in the artifacts, but there still exists suffi-
cient quantity to indicate that the entire area was used. Pottery and other
materials appear to be fairly sparse, but their mere presence is noteworthy.
The large quantity of artifacts reported by local collectors indicates the
quantitative potential of the site. Subsurface testing in 1978 substantiated
the presence of amounts of materials adequate for rather large collections
and intensive analyses.
Qualitative Complexity
Cultural materials on and from the site are quite diverse and indicate
several nonlocal sources, particularly various cherts and quartzites. Many
functional differences are also suggested such as tools used for weaponry,
butchering, hide processing, vegetal acquisition or processing, faunal pre-
paration, cooking, etc. Artifact classes and types reported from the site
are also extremely diverse. Faunal remains appear to be mainly bison, but
other species are also well represented; it appears that not all skeletal
parts are represented. Cultural materials are not restricted to a single
period, or even necessarily a single occupation within any one period repre-
sented at the site.
Representative of Broad Patterns of the Regional History
The site appears to be a good example of late prehistoric Plains Indian
lifeways at a time before European influence. This particular portion of the
Late Period is poorly known, and this site appears to be a rather large village
representative of this period. In addition, there appears to be considerable
44

-------
material from the Historic Period of the region, which may be worthy of
additional attention.
Representative Example of ji Site Type or Period
The site appears to be a fairly good example of a large lakeshore village.
More importantly, it may be one of the few remaining, nearly intact villages
in this area and dating from this period. This aspect of uniqueness would
argue strongly that the site be preserved for future study and interpreta-
tion.
Potential to Contribute Additional Useful Information
Aside from site-specific data, the site potentially contains important
regional interpretive information on prehistoric settlement patterning,
seasonality information on cultural use of the area, site or regional function,
lakeside site use, prehistoric subsistence systems, probably information
on the economy, age of the use of the area by past peoples, various data on
technology, perhaps information on group size and composition, details on
trade (i.e., intergroup contact and relationships), and perhaps other sub-
jects. Non-cultural information uniquely contained here, such as dated paleo-
climatic information and dated geological data, may be important to studies
in other fields. Probably the most obvious information to be obtained in
future work would be the age of the occupations, the kind of lifeways or
subsistence orientation, the presence or absence of cultigens and which
were present, and information on nonlocal goods present in the area. The
possibility for the presence of existing structures at this site seems good,
45

-------
which might contribute additional useful information on the lifeways and
organization of past peoples in the area.
National Register Eligibility
The site appears to be eligible for the National Register on a number
of points. Particularly important are its complexity, integrity, represen-
tativeness, uniqueness, and great potential to contribute additional sci-
entific data in a number of different fields.
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION
The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that the Oakwood Lakes
Bank Shoreline Protection Project will modify through stabilization a portion
of the west bank of Lake Tetonkaha. This is to be a portion of exposed dirt
bank, or bluff, approximately 700 ft long and lying adjacent to an existing
vehicle trail on the west edge of site 39BK7. This 20-30 ft high bank is to
be cut back horizontally (east) about 50 ft from its present position,
and vertically at least 10 ft, for about 700 ft in a north-south direction.
This will be done to create a more sloping, less erosion prone shoreline
and therefore prevent further bank deterioration by wave action and other ero-
sional processes. Rip-rap, a layer of boulders, and perhaps other materials
will be placed on the bank, and perhaps in the lake in front of the shore-
line to a height sufficient to "break" the waves before they reach the shore-
line. The proposed disturbance is estimated to encompass a zone about 30-50
ft wide.
46

-------
PROPOSED IMPACT
The direct impact on archeological site 39BK7 will be total destruction
of culture-bearing deposits in the 30 x 700 ft area along the exposed shore-
line bank. Additional intensive disturbance by heavy equipment transit,
turning, and storage will undoubtedly be considerable also. Additional re-
lated impact may be expected as subsurface vandalism or intensive collection
of artifacts by construction personnel and local collectors occurs during
construction.
The western edge of the site appears to be an area of fairly intensive
prehistoric use, judging by the numerous bones, burned rocks, and other
materials in the exposed profile bank, the Feature 1 pit with articulated
bison bones, and the materials found in test pits and animal burrowings in
the immediate area. Undisturbed lodge depressions are also thought to be
nearby. The deposits here are about 2 ft (50 cm) thick, and it is expected
that much of the cultural evidence in these deposits will be intensively
disturbed—that is, destroyed—during construction. It is, however, estimated
that the construction area is on the margin of what appears to be the main
site area, and that construction will not significantly affect the main site
area or the potential importance of the site as a whole if limited to its
presently projected area of impact.
PROPOSED MITIGATION OF IMPACT
The proposed Bank Stabilization Project has been shown to be within the
boundaries of an important archeological site believed to be eligible for the
National Register. If the site is determined ineligible for the National
47

-------
Register, probably no further work will be required. If the site is indeed
found to be eligible for the National Register, then the determination of
effect and the most desirable means to mitigate impact on the site must be
done following the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Section 106
procedure, which calls for a cooperative determination by the Environmental
Protection Agency, the Advisory Council, and the State Historic Preservation
Officer (and usually the Interagency Archeological Service as consultants).
The following statements are offered as suggestions to be considered, in the
event that the 106 procedures are necessary.
It is recommended that construction, as it is presently understood, will
not greatly, adversely affect this large site, believed to be of National
Register quality. It is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed
with the following stipulations:
1.	Disturbance should be limited to the lake shore and an area about 30 ft
east of the shoreline. Other areas of the site should be avoided and
left undisturbed.
2.	Before construction begins, archeological work of an exploratory nature
should be undertaken in the direct impact zone to locate and preserve
any cultural features which will be potentially affected by construction.
All work should be under the direction of a qualified archeologist. It
is expected that few, if any, features will be found in this area, and
if any do occur, they will probably be of minimal complexity (e.g.,
fire pits) and will require minimal time to fully record,
a. The surface of the direct impact area should be bladed (with road
grader or similar equipment) to remove the grass zone and expose
subsurface deposits to such an extent that horizontal cultural fea-
tures may be recognized.
48

-------
Short backhoe trenches (or the equivalent)should be excavated into
sterile basal strata (yellow sands and clays, about 2 ft deep) to
additionally test for buried cultural features. Trenches should
begin at the bluff and extend back (east) about 30-50 ft (depending
on the width of the direct impact zone); they should be placed
about 25-30 ft apart, for the entire area to be disturbed by
construction.
Should any features be found, they should be carefully and fully
excavated by hand, recorded, and analyzed according to acceptable
archeological techniques.
During this exploratory field work, and as part of the mitigation of
impact and preservation of the affected data, it is recommended that
the following samples be taken in the direct impact zone and submit-
ted for analysis:
(1)	soils samples for pollen analysis, to determine paleo-climatic
information affecting the village and useful to studies in other
disciplines,
(2)	burned rock, bones, teeth, pottery, and charcoal for thermolum-
inescence (TL) and radiocarbon (C14) analyses, to determine
the age of the site and use of the area.
Following analysis of the materials and the results of special stud-
ies, a detailed report on the findings, analyses, and archeological
contributions should be prepared and submitted to the South Dakota
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). Recovered materials
should be stored in a curation facility acceptable to the SHPO.
49

-------
3. During construction, all activities should be monitored by a qualified
archeologist with at least one assistant.
The expected time for the exploratory work and direct mitigation on
exposed cultural features is expected to require 2-3 field days, barring
the discovery of any unusually complicated features. Even so, operations
should not exceed seven work days. Final analysis and preparation of a
detailed report on the work should take an estimated 5-15 laboratory days.
50

-------
REFERENCES
Lehmer, D.J.
1971 Introduction to Middle Missouri Archeology. National Park
Service, Washington D.C.
Sigstad, John S. and Joanita K. Sigstad (compilers)
1973 Archeological Field Notes of W. H. Over. Research Bulletin 1.
South Dakota State Archeologist, Department of Education and
Cultural Affairs, University of South Dakota.
Wilford, L.
ms	Great Oasis and Low Village Sites. Typescript (dated ca. 1952)
on file at the South Dakota Historic Preservation Center.
51

-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA-908/3-79-003
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE f
National Register Evaluation of Village Site
Oakwood Lakes State Park, Brookings County,
Eastern, South Dakota
S. REPORT DATE
May 1979
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
John W. Greer
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Archeological Services
P.O. Box 1188
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
WO-8-0611-A
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADORESS
Environmental Protection Agency
i860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Pinal
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
In October 1978 Archeological Services performed a National
Register evaluation of site 39BK7 in Brookings County, South Dakota.
This was done for the Environmental Protection Agency in their
Oakwood Lakes Bank Stabilization Project, which will affect a small
portion of the archeological village. The site is believed to be
significant and eligible for the National Register. Minimal
exploratory archeological work is recommended in the direct impact
sone before construction begins; other areas of the site should be
avoided.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS
b. IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Fieid/Gioup
Oakwood Lakes
Archeology
Woodland
Great Oasis
Clean Lakes
Archeology
Natural Register

18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Distribution Unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (His Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGE&
51
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
Unclarrified
22. PRICE
CPA 2220-1 (R«v. 4-771 previous edition is obsolete

-------