Oahe Reservoir: Archaeology, Geology, History

Caldwell, Warren; Smith, G.

Long before Europeans first arrived in the New World, the twisting course of the Missouri River was the home of a varied group of Indian farmers, a numerous people who lived in strong fortified towns, cultivated fields of corn in the well-watered bottomlands and hunted bison on the plains beyond. With the coming of the explorers and the inevitable expansion of the American frontier, the Indian cultures began the long decline that ended only with their near extinction. At first the Missouri served as a highway for fur traders, then for a growing number of trapping parties and explorers, and still later for a surge of gold seekers and settlers heading for the nearest northwest. At the same time, the main stem, as it has come to be called, formed part of a chain of military posts designed to protect and pacify the hostile frontier. An important part of this long history is centered in the area that is now the Oahe Reservoir. The remains of Indian villages and camps, trading posts and military establishments were once to be found here in great numbers. Now most are submerged, gone forever except for stray fragments exposed by changing water levels of the reservoir. Before they disappeared many of the prehistoric sites and places of historical significance were carefully studied and excavated by archeologists and historians representing many federal, state and private agencies. This was accomplished as part of a unique program, a salvage effort, sponsored by the federal government, to sample, record, and document important parts of our national heritage before they are destroyed. The construction of dams and reservoirs, the stabilizing of river banks, and a host of additional water control and hydroelectric projects are bringing great changes to many of our major river systems. Valleys have been transformed into lakes, and meandering streams brought into controlled channels. The river valleys hold a key to electric power, and the periodic floods that have inundated so many of our cities and towns must be prevented at all costs. Unfortunately, it is precisely along our rivers that much of the record of our Indian forerunners and of our own historic past is to be found. The Inter-Agency Archeological Salvage Program was organized to preserve and to interpret the paleontological, archeological, and historic remains threatened with destruction by federal water control and hydroelectric projects. The program is administered by the U. S. National Park Service with the advice and active field participation of the Smithsonian Institution. Federal funds provide support for much of the work, but state, local, and even private contributions have been used.

Oahe Reservoir: Archaeology, Geology, History

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