Principal Investigators: Christine Thompson and Kevin C. Nolan
Project Summary
The
project preservation objective is based on the recommendations of the 2010 ABPP
grant report completed by Ball State University. We are proposing additional systematic archaeological
investigations of the northwest boundaries of the battlefield (Battle of the
Wabash 1791) and outlying agricultural land by means of metal detector and
pedestrian surveys. All land being
proposed for this grant is previously un-surveyed and is within the boundaries
of proposed expanded battlefield area as outlined in the 2010 ABPP grant
report. This new survey area corresponds
to the location where the Native Americans would have formed their crescent
battle formation prior to confronting St. Clair’s army. We will also perform geophysical surveys in
the areas corresponding to the Native American’s least visible paths of
approach. These paths, as identified by
KOCOA analysis and GIS data modeling, are based on the level of cover and
concealment they provided to the Native Americans as they surrounded St.
Clair’s army. Investigations into these
areas will help increase our knowledge of Native American battle strategy and be
used to update existing GIS models of the battle. These research findings will be part of an
on-going educational process at the Fort Recovery State Museum and will be
disseminated to the public via media and web site updates, presentations, open
houses and other public events.