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

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Conclusions and Recommendations Elk River has an early industrial history of local and statewide importance. The prehistoric archaeology of Elk River is grossly understudied, but of potentially large significance. Because the City of Elk River has begun to consider these issues at an early date, there is a good chance for Elk River to leverage existing heritage and potential archaeological sites to enhance and preserve a unique community character. As the area from Maple Grove to St. Cloud continues expansion, it is quite likely that the ability of communities to form and maintain identities will be essential to their long-term success and attractiveness. Because of it strong historic heritage, Elk River has an opportunity not shared (or recognized) by other communities in this corridor. 1. The industrial heritage of Elk River, largely because it is so early, is significant at a local and perhaps at a statewide level. This heritage is a unique aspect of Elk River which can be used to sustain and promote community character and continuity. 2. The physical remains of the Milling District need to be more fully documented. While the Mills are, for the most part, largely obliterated, the landscape that contained them, especially around the exit of Lake Orono, remains sufficiently intact that the City should consider preservation and interpretation. Of particular importance is the preserved landscape; one cannot see the Mills anymore, but the landscape is intact and it is very easy to visualize them. 3. The prehistory of Elk River is of great importance to understanding statewide and even regional prehistory. Great care should be taken to locate, preserve and investigate remaining archaeological sites. The very early historic and industrial development of Elk River, and the large areas already urbanized, fall in areas of high archaeological potentiality. Thus remaining areas of high potentiality should be carefully considered. 4. The Archaeological Probability Model (Maps 5 and 6) provides a valuable tool to the City of Elk River for planning future development as well as preservation efforts. 5. The land at the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi River presents the City with a unique undeveloped area that corresponds with sites of historic importance as well as area of high archaeological probability. This area should be considered as a potential W