Office of History/SD State Historical Society
For more information: Jeff Mammenga, 773-6000

PIERRE -- People from across the nation are once again expected to participate in an archaeological dig and training program at Fort Pierre Chouteau. This year’s 5^th annual event, sponsored by the South Dakota State Historical Society, is Aug. 3 to 13 at the site northwest of Fort Pierre.

"Fort Pierre Chouteau is one of the most significant sites in South Dakota and the only remaining fur trade fort in the state," said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society’s office of historic preservation. "The fort played an important role in human interaction, as well as state and local history."

"The past four years of fieldwork have concentrated on identifying the precise location of the fortification walls and to ascertain the integrity of the buried architectural and artifactural data present at the site, said Mike Fosha, project coordinator, with the State Historical Society’s archaeology office in Rapid City. "We have been very successful in locating these walls, identifying areas which may require mitigation prior to future loss, as well as locating some of the buildings inside the fort.

"This year we will concentrate on the mitigation of a series of shops and the bastion, or stronghold, of the fort where future restoration and site preservation will be taking place," Fosha said.

The fort was built in 1832 after its predecessor, Fort Tecumseh (1822-1832), was dismantled due to encroachment of the Missouri River. The fort was remodeled in 1842 and continued to operate as one of the major fur and bison robe trade forts on the river and was the dominant European settlement in the region during the height of the fur trade era.

The area was populated with American Indian tribes, and was the stopping place for early explorers in the region. During this period, several maps and drawings were made and dimensions taken of the fort which survive to this day, giving insight into how the fort appeared and operated.

Fort Pierre Chouteau was named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in 1991.

A field laboratory operated by Rose Fosha will be established at the site. The lab will be open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. daily. Participants are encouraged to work in the lab as well as the dig. They need to sign up for 4-hour shifts, beginning either at 8 a.m. or 1 p.m. Children 12-and-under should work under the supervision of an adult.

Much of the success of the project each year is due to the dozens of volunteers who participate, Fosha said.

To get to the worksite, drive west out of Fort Pierre on U.S. Highway 14 until you reach S.D. Highway 1806. Turn right and drive north on Highway 1806 approximately two miles, then turn right on Fort Chouteau Road and follow the signs to the historic site.

For more information call (605) 773-3458.

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