Archaeological Study

of the

Pulaski Tunnel Trail

August, 2008

Conducted by: Northwest Archaeological Associates (NWAA) in association with the Pulaski Project & the U.S. Forest Service

Purposes of the Investigation:

1. Confirm the authenticity of the adit as Pulaski’s refuge.

2. Make positive identification of the cabin remains.

3. Provide information on the technology of mining in the region.

And informally:

1. Secure surface artifacts for future study.

2. Clear the destination area for further development.

Seven archaeologists, four students & one volunteer participated in the archaeological investigation.

A significant amount of study equipment was required.

Student ‘archaeological assistants’ served as porters.

Some equipment and all of the artifacts were transported from the site

on a daily basis.

Forest Service archaeologists Steve Matz and Sarah Wilson (front)

confer with NWAA staff archaeologist Margie Elm.

NWAA Project Manager Lorelea Hudson prepares

study equipment.

Paperwork is an integral part of archaeology.

Dr. Alicia Valentino was NWAA’s Project Director.

The Pulaski Tunnel site was selected for study in an

effort to verify its use as a refuge during the 1910 Fire.

Mapping the study area is a critical activity in pinpointing

the location of artifacts.

Student Chad Dawson assisted in mapping activities.

Archaeological assistants also helped with data recording.

Matz performed a shovel probe at various locations.

Excavated material is screened through a 1/8 inch metal

hardware cloth.

Student Trevor Henderson screens material by shaking

the box back and forth.

Henderson assists Elm in searching for artifacts among

the debris in the box.

Searching for artifacts is arduous and time consuming.

The local press covered the story on the first day of the project.

All of archaeology assistants provided hours at screening. Damon Reed and Britany Walsh were screening daily.

Dylan Henderson, NWAA Archaeologist works with assistant Reed on

numerous shovel probes.

Thick vegetation relinquished artifacts only after

backbreaking labor.

Yonara Carrilho, Lead Field Archaeologist, works with local student Walsh.

Students were

personally involved

in the process of discovery.

Surface artifacts were carefully mapped before they were collected, described and cataloged.

Continuous data recording ensure reliable study results and indications for further

archaeological study.

Archaeologist Henderson and Elm spent considerable

time and effort in accurately recording data.

Students enjoyed moments of fun along with the work.

One meter x one meter excavation units were

located in areas that had good potential for artifact location.

Careful mapping and measurement provide

data that can be extrapolated to the entire study area.

Systematic digging, scraping, brushing, screening and recording represent the activities normally associated with field archaeology.

Carrilho uses various tools and

skills when practicing her

profession.

A number of excavation units were studied and then re-buried

after recording relevant data.

The mouth of the Pulaski Tunnel was an area of high interest.

Plans have been proposed to re-create the adit entrance to post 1910 Fire

conditions based on historic photos.

Spokesman Review reporter Taryn Hecker

interviews Matz about the project at the

mine portal.

Artifacts were recovered near the mine portal that may have

been used in the mining activity in this location.

The small metal wheel may have been part of a

wheelbarrow used to remove rock from the

Nicholson mine.

After screening a final few shovels of earth, all of the dirt is returned into the excavation units.

Students and professionals assemble all of the gear and the remaining artifacts for a

final transport of two miles to the trailhead.

The crew poses at the trailhead on the final day.

A total of 2285 artifacts were recovered, most from the Nicholson cabin area.

Three-fourths were from architecture category.

Materials included tin roofing, nails and flat glass.

Near the mine portal, a wagon spring, sheet metal, an axe head, and a mine cart wheel were found.

Other artifacts recovered included: a watch case, stove parts, bottle glass, nails & bullet cartridges.

Results:

Photographs by: Tom Harman, Jim See and Robert Deane

Pulaski Project

Jim See, President

Ron Roizen, Executive Director

Northwest Archaeology Associates, Inc (retained by the Pulaski Project)

Lorelea Hudson, Project Manager

Alicia Valentino, Project Director

Yonara Carrilho, Lead Field Archaeologist

Margie Elm, Staff Archaeologist

Dylan Henderson, Archaeologist

Seattle Office

Johonna Shea, GIS/Production Specialist

Eric Anderson, Graphics

Val Gearin, Administration

Student Archaeology Assistants

Damon Reed, Mullan

Chad Dawson, Mullan

Trevor Henderson, Mullan

Britany Walsh, Kellogg

United States Forest Service

Kimberly Johnson, Deputy District Ranger

Stephan E. Matz, Heritage Manager

Sarah S Wilson, Archaeologist

Tom Sudul, Recreation and Trails

Cleared trees on first day

Summer Recreation Maintenance Crew

Steve Garitone

Stefan Norris

Matt Kilbourne

Chris Stoddard

Adult Volunteers

Tom Harman, Silverton - (July 30 & August 3, 2008)

Linda See – T-shirts

Granting Organizations

Inland Northwest Community Foundation

Idaho Panhandle National Forest Resource Advisory Committee U.S. Forest Service

Reporters

Spokesman Review: Taryn Hecker, Brian Plonka (cameraman)

Shoshone News Press: Robert Deane

KHQ TV: Chris Wagar

Created by:

Jim See

Pulaski Project