Life Along the Trails: 19th Century Nebraska Archaeology Nolan Johnson - Plains 30

In this episode, I sit down with Nebraska archaeologist Nolan Johnson to talk about his work uncovering and interpreting the state’s rich historic past. We begin with the Beaver Creek Trail Crossing, a site that offers a glimpse into the experiences of travelers along the overland trails and the material traces they left behind. Nolan shares the story of how the site was investigated, what artifacts reveal about life on the move, and why these places remain important today.

In the second half, our discussion broadens to post-1492 archaeology across Nebraska, what makes it distinct, what challenges archaeologists face in preserving and interpreting recent pasts, and why connecting communities to these stories continues to matter.

Transcripts

• For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/30

• Plains 30 Transcript

Links

• Nolan Johnson’s Team Bio at Nebraska State Historical Society

• Archaeology at the Beaver Creek Trail Crossing Site

• Fort Atkinson State Historical Park Website

• Comanche Meeting the Dragoons

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)

• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)

• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)

• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)

• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Contact

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist

• Email: greatplainsarchpodcast@gmail.com

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• Motion