5.6. SR 06-07-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Executive Summary The prehistoric period of Elk River remains largely an unknown, but there are reasons to think that there may indeed be as yet undiscovered prehistoric sites. The Generalized Archaeological Probability Model (Maps 5 and 6) indicates several areas of high and moderate probability for archaeological sites, both within the old Milling District, as well as throughout the entire township, Further research in the archaeology of Elk River is important for an understanding of statewide and regional prehistory, as Elk River lies in an environmental and perhaps cultural buffer zone, and is key in understanding the past, including periods that saw the formation of the groups we now commonly refer to as "tribes." The historic period of Elk River is far better known, although mosdy through documentary rather than archaeological materials. While European explorers were traveling through the Elk River area as early as the late 1700s, Elk River blossomed in the 1850s as an industrial region. This very early focus on flour and sawmills, as well as associated industrial activity, gives Elk River claim to being one of the key locations in the early development of Minnesota. The earliest industrial history of Elk River predates, in fact, the statehood of Minnesota. This Milling Era of Elk River was over by 1932, and currendy is in danger of being forgotten. Specific recommendations are enumerated within this report. The very early industrial history of Elk River provides a unique character to the City of Elk River. Knowledge of the~e industrial origins of a now largely non-industrial community should be preserved and interpreted, as well as the associated physical remains and the landscape around the Orono dam. Preservation of this character will serve the City of Elk River well in the long run as it strives to preserve an identity in the face of unprecedented and continuing growth and development. The undeveloped areas at the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi Rivers (the Houlton Farm) may present an opportunity for preservation of historical and archaeological sites as well as an understandable landscape. A multi-use environme~tal and historical preservation area here would provide Elk River with a cultural and community centerpiece that would be the envy of the rapidly merging and increasingly indistinguishable communities from Maple Grove to St, Cloud. 3