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Special events were held at the Oliver Kelley Farm and HPC members led a historic walking tour <br />along the river (see Exhibit E). Staff worked with Salk Middle School and Community Ed to <br />increase the amount of local history in the classroom and the community. <br />Bailey Point Nature Preserve <br />The City of Elk River purchased the 23 -acre <br />parcel in 2012 with assistance from the DNR <br />and the Minnesota Land Trust. Known locally <br />as Bailey Point, it is intended as a passive public <br />park. <br />Officially named Baily Point Nature Preserve, <br />groundbreaking was held on August 14, 2013, <br />following the establishment of passive walking <br />trails and a gravel parking lot (see Exhibit F). <br />The site is historically significant as it was site of <br />the first Sherburne County Fair, the first high <br />school football field, a golf course, and is also <br />recognized as a battle site between the Dakota <br />and Ojibwa Indians. In accordance with state <br />grant requirements, public archaeological digs <br />on the property were initiated in 2013. <br />Archaeological Survey and Dig <br />During the weekends of June 14 -16 and June 21 -23, 2013, the public participated in an <br />archaeological survey at the Bailey Point Nature Preserve Park, located at the confluence of the Elk <br />and Mississippi Rivers (see Exhibit G). <br />Dr. Richard Rothaus along with a team of archaeologists worked with the volunteers over the two <br />weekends. The team of archaeologists included Joe McFarlane, Jim Cummings, Bob Burgess, and <br />Dave Ranford. <br />Eight volunteers work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with public tours at 3 p.m. daily. The volunteers spent <br />approximately 200 hours at the event. <br />During the second weekend a nice concentration of early 20th century /late 19th century artifacts <br />near the camp "kitchen" were found. It is believed they might predate the kitchen and Dr. Rothaus <br />is looking into the timelines more closely. <br />The city was fortunate to receive donations from local businesses and posted informational flyers in <br />their establishments. Donations were received from the Bank of Elk River, Target, Cub Foods, Elk <br />River Rotary, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, City of Elk River, Diamond City Bread, Midwest <br />Asphalt, and Westbound Liquor. <br />4 <br />