Near St. Peter in Nicollet County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Archaeology
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014
1. Archaeology Marker
Archaeology is the recovery and study of material evidence, such as remainders of pottery, to help us learn about people and places of the past.
In 1994 the Minnesota Historical Society conducted a survey to map and excavate the archaeological resources of Traverse des Sioux. Most of the material found came from the site of the short-lived town that settlers built in the mid-1800s. Broken glass, strips of cut metal, ceramics, and pipe fragments were among the 10,000 pieces unearthed.
What Was Found Here
The oldest object uncovered here is a large spear point about 9,000 years old — almost as old as the Minnesota River valley itself. Made from a kind of sandstone found only in central Wisconsin, points like this one were used in hunting now-extinct large animals, such as mastodons and giant beavers. This type of point, unique to the central region of the North American continent, has been found at archaeological sites from Minnesota to Texas.
Traverse des Sioux
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 44° 21.042′ N, 93° 57.042′ W. Marker is near St. Peter, Minnesota, in Nicollet County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Minnesota Avenue (U.S. 169) and Dodd Avenue (State Highway 22), on the right when traveling north. Marker is along an interpretive trail that is adjacent to the Nicollet County Historical Society Treaty Site History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1851 North Minnesota Avenue, Saint Peter MN 56082, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ministering to the Dakota (within shouting distance of this marker); Ecakensdonyapi (within shouting distance of this marker); "Only a Memory Now" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Land-Seas (about 300 feet away); Treaty of Traverse Des Sioux (about 400 feet away); The Rush for Land (about 400 feet away); Welcome to Traverse des Sioux (about 400 feet away); A Minority in Their Homeland (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Peter.
More about this marker. caption: Surveying at Traverse des Sioux, 1994
Also see . . .
1. Traverse des Sioux
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, May 5, 2014
2. Archaeology Marker
National Register of Historic Places #73000990
Listed March 20, 1973
"For thousands of years, Traverse des Sioux was a crossroads and meeting place.... The town of Traverse des Sioux soon grew up around the site with more than 70 buildings, including five taverns, two hotels and several churches. In 1856, however, nearby St. Peter was chosen as the county seat and by the late 1860s, nothing was left of the once-booming town of Traverse des Sioux." (Submitted on October 21, 2014.)
2. Traverse des Sioux. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on October 21, 2014.)
3. Hixton Silicified Sandstone. Lithic Casting Lab website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2014.)
4. Common Projectile Points of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center website entry (Submitted on October 21, 2014.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 536 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
