Prehistoric and Euroamerican Archaeology of Elk River, Minnesota: Current Knowlege and Probability Modeling

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Gazetteer of Prehistoric Sites There are no confirmed prehistoric archaeological sites in Elk River Township. A 1981 report inventories reports of archaeological sites and material, but none of these sites were visited or examined by the authors." The recorded sites within the township illustrated in the Reported Prehistoric Sites Map (Maps 9 and 10). ( I)Tbompson Mounds. T33 R26 S '/2 Sec 5, S '/2 N '/2 Sec 4. An oval mound 1x17x15m was reported on a high bluff 50 feet above Rice Lake. Additionally a collection of Ethics and ceramics was noted from SE '/4 SW 1/4 Sec 5. Material may be Archaic/Woodland. (2)Prjeaile Site. T33 R26 E 1/2 Sec 7, W '/a Sec S. Report of projectile point found on property. (3)Twin Lake Site. T33 R26 E '/2 Sec 24. A projectile point collection from the site was noted. (4)Kliewer Site. T33 R26 W '/2 SW 'A Sec 35. Report of one projectile point and flakes '/4 mile east of the house of Edward K]iewer. (5)Peterson Site. T33 R26 SW '/4 NW '/4 Sec 6. Report of artifacts '/4 miles south of farmhouse along CO32. Collection held by son of Bart Peterson. Axe or blank made of Hixton Quartzite reported. William Warren report in his History of the Ojbway People that battles were fought in Elk River between the Ojibwa and Dakota peoples in 1772 and again in 1773. Warren wrote his account 100 years after the fact and his version should be used with caution. At the very least, however, the tradition illustrates the nature of Elk River as a crossroads. In both battles the encounter begins with the Ojibwa traveling along the Elk River encountering Dakota peoples traveling upon the Mississippi. These battles were really skirmishes, with no deaths occurring in the first, and eight deaths marking the second battle as a very serious event. There is no expectation that there would be archaeological remnants of these skirrnishes.49 26