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History of Archaeological Investigations Marker
Photographer: William J. Toman
Taken: September 4, 2010
Caption: History of Archaeological Investigations Marker
Additional Description: Investigations at Aztalan can be divided into four general periods: early exploration, culture history determination, park development, and regional work / specific questions. The first written investigation was by Nathaniel Hyer, who published a site map in 1837. Increase A. Lapham prepared a more detailed map in 1850, and others also explored the site during this time. Extensive archaeological work began when Dr. Samuel A. Barrett of the Milwaukee Public Museum excavated in 1919, 1920, and 1932. He focused on understanding the site and its culture history. Once the site was purchased by the state, activity focused on excavations which would contribute to park development. This work in the 1950's and 1960's traced stockade walls, explored platform mounds, and excavated houses. In the mid-1970's, work began to look beyond Aztalan itself to regional surveys of the surrounding area. In the 1980's and 1990's, work has been targeted to answering questions about site formation and development. In addition to excavations, some people have examined collections to address questions about culture history and specific cultural practices.
Submitted: September 12, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.
Database Locator Identification Number: p127449
File Size: 3.252 Megabytes

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