Archaeological Study of the Pulaski Tunnel Trail August, 2008

1. 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

2. Purposes of the Investigation: • Confirm the authenticity of the adit as Pulaski’s refuge. • Make positive identification of the cabin remains. • Provide information on the technology of mining in the region. And informally: • Secure surface artifacts for future study. • Clear the destination area for further development.

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

4. A significant amount of study equipment was required.

5. Student ‘archaeological assistants’ served as porters.

6. Some equipment and all of the artifacts were transported from the site on a daily basis.

7. NWAA Project Manager Lorelea Hudson prepares study equipment. Forest Service archaeologists Steve Matz and Sarah Wilson (front) confer with NWAA staff archaeologist Margie Elm.

8. Paperwork is an integral part of archaeology. Dr. Alicia Valentino was NWAA’s Project Director.

9. The Pulaski Tunnel site was selected for study in an effort to verify its use as a refuge during the 1910 Fire.

10. Mapping the study area is a critical activity in pinpointing the location of artifacts.

11. Student Chad Dawson assisted in mapping activities.

12. Archaeological assistants also helped with data recording.

13. Matz performed a shovel probe at various locations. Excavated material is screened through a 1/8 inch metal hardware cloth.

14. 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.

15. Searching for artifacts is arduous and time consuming.

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

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

18. Dylan Henderson, NWAA Archaeologist works with assistant Reed on numerous shovel probes. Thick vegetation relinquished artifacts only after backbreaking labor.

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

20. Students were personally involved in the process of discovery.

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

22. 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.

23. Students enjoyed moments of fun along with the work.

24. 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.

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

26. Carrilho uses various tools and skills when practicing her profession.

27. A number of excavation units were studied and then re-buried after recording relevant data.

28. 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.

30. Spokesman Review reporter Taryn Hecker interviews Matz about the project at the mine portal.

31. 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.

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

33. Students and professionals assemble all of the gear and the remaining artifacts for a final transport of two miles to the trailhead.

34. The crew poses at the trailhead on the final day.

35. Results: 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.

36. Photographs by: Tom Harman, Jim See and Robert Deane

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. Created by: Jim See Pulaski Project