In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton and Chris speak with Dr. William Balco and Dr. Richard Edwards about their recent Plains Anthropologist article, “Revisiting the Mounds of Lake Benton: An Archival and Geospatial Examination.” Together, they explore the history of the Native American mounds documented around Lake Benton, Minnesota, and how nineteenth-century accounts, early archaeological investigations, and changing interpretations have shaped our understanding of these features. The conversation examines how archival documents, historic photographs, aerial imagery, and modern LiDAR technology can be combined to relocate and reassess archaeological sites that have been altered or obscured by agriculture, erosion, and development. Rick and Bill also discuss the challenges of reconciling conflicting historical records, distinguishing confirmed archaeological features from uncertain locations, and using geospatial research to identify and protect vulnerable sites.
Article Citation:
Transcript
Links
The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
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