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Public archaeology viewing offered at Ft. Juelson in Underwood [UPDATED]
Published 8:07am Monday, July 16, 2012 Updated 12:08pm Monday, July 16, 2012The public is invited to observe staff from Archaeo-Physics, LLC as they conduct test excavations at historic Ft. Juelson Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Located two miles east of Underwood in Tordenskjold Township, Ft. Juelson was constructed in July 1876, in response to rumors of American Indian attacks on settlers in the region.
In contrast to the panic that gripped much of the area, one group of Tordenskjold township farmers decided to remain and protect their farmsteads. Hans Juelson and Berge O. Lee, two Civil War veterans, were put in charge and a 100-by-120-foot sod fort was constructed.
In January 2012, the Otter Tail County Historical Society was awarded a Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grant to conduct an archaelogical evaluation of the fort site. Archaeo-Physics, LLC was contracted to conduct a non-invasive geophysical investigation to identify any buried resouces that pre-date the fort.
The collected data will lead to a site nomination on the National Register of Historic Places.
From July 16-18, archaeologists will conduct on-going tours of the Ft. Juelson site. The public is encouraged to assist with excavation or ground penetrating data collection. Work will begin at the site around 10 a.m. each day.
No reservations are necessary. For more information contact the Otter Tail County Historical Society at 218-736-6038 or visit www.otchs.org.
