The Nebraska Highway Archaeology Program in Action

 

These layers of sand in the side of the excavation are evidence of an active floodplain and were likely deposited during individual flood episodes. It was not safe to enter the deepest layer of the pit as it began to fill with water when the target depth was reached.

Johnson did not observe any archeological materials during his time on the project, but the work is ongoing.

Find out more information about History Nebraska archeology.

Early Stage of ExcavationNSHS Archeologist Johnson with Excavation in Background

For three days in January, Highway Archeologist Nolan Johnson watched as Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) contractors dug a massive hole near Oak Creek south of Valparaiso.

As part of a NDOT project on Highway 79, an intermittent stream will be moved south of the intersection between Highway 79 and a county road. To accomplish this, two large concrete box culverts connected with an open channel are being built. The total length of the project is over 300 feet and reaches a depth of more than 25 feet in some locations. During consultation with the NDOT, the NSHS archeologist assigned to this project recommended that this location be monitored by an archeologist on staff.

The NSHS and the NDOT have worked together for nearly 60 years to ensure no significant archeological sites are damaged or destroyed during road construction. Monitoring the excavation at Oak Creek is a small part of both agencies’ continued commitment to protecting the archeological heritage of the state.  Monitoring allows archeologists to observe soils at depths they could not otherwise reach.  The location of the excavation has good potential to contain buried archeological sites based on its position between Oak Creek and the intermittent stream. This potential for buried archeology combined with the very large amount of dirt (over 9000 cubic yards) to be excavated made monitoring at the location the best option to check for archeological resources.

Johnson watched as an excavator, bulldozer, and front-end loader dug into the frozen ground. He examined the dirt as it spilled out of the equipment’s buckets to look for artifacts or other archeological materials. He also went into the hole periodically to look for artifacts on the bottom of the pit. He scraped the sides of the excavation to look for evidence of buried soils or habitation layers.

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

Nebraska History Spotlight: the Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebrsaka

Nebraska History Spotlight: the Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebrsaka

Philander DeForest Thompson: A Legacy at Neligh Mill

Philander DeForest Thompson: A Legacy at Neligh Mill

Marker Monday: Catherland

Marker Monday: Catherland

About NSHS

The Nebraska State Historical Society was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed NSHS from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director Cindy Drake. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for NSHS.

Explore Nebraska

Discover the real places and people of our past at these NSHS sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of NSHS members.

NSHS Education

Learn more about the educational programs provided at our museums, sites, and online.

Education Digital Learning Resources

Find games, lists, and more to enhance your history education curriculum.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast!

Nebraska Collections

NSHS's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

NSHS's Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

NSHS Services

Digital Resources

Find all of our digital resources, files, videos, and more, all in one easy-to-search page!

Support The Historical Society

Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to the Nebraska State Historical Society help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of NSHS.

Volunteers are the heroes of NSHS. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.