1
The Humboldt Telegraph Station's exact location had been lost over the years, until August Faul and Larry McLeod started 'digging' around.2
Archaeological and historical investigations at 'Old Humboldt'1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
3
August Faul and Larry McLeod had raised significant awareness of the possible finding of the Humboldt Telegraph Station that further investigations were warranted.In 1995, Humboldt officials contracted Western Heritage Services Inc. (WHSI) to carry out an archaeological search for the remains of the 1876 Telegraph Station located southwest of Humboldt. The overall goal of the proposed project was to provide evidence which could positively identify this site as the location of the telegraph station. They were also interested in determining whether any features associated with a possible military encampment could also be examined.
WHSI proposed a three part investigation strategy:
1) map the surface distribution of artifacts
2) carry out a magnetometer survey of the artifact clusters
3) test trench any magnetic features for structural remains
Fieldwork was initiated on July 22 and continued intermittently until August 21, 1995.
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
4
Map of 'Old Humboldt'1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
5
MethodologyMapping Surface Artifacts
The first level of field investigation involved mapping the surface distribution of artifacts. The field was walked over until a surface artifact was noted. The location of the artifact was marked with a pin flag. The more artifacts that were flagged in an area, the more coverage the area received.
Magnetometer
The magnetometer is an instrument that discerns minor variations in the magnetism present in many materials. In basic terms, its function is to tell the archaeologist where to dig.
Test Excavation
Trenches were excavated in a maximum of two levels. The first level was the plow zone and the second level was the top of the undisturbed soil. As they were completed, each trench was photographed and described.
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
6
Map of magnetometer grids at 'Old Humboldt'1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
7
Mapping Surface Artifacts ResultsThe surface mapping project took place over July 22, 23, 25, and 26. A total of 604 artifact locations were mapped with a total of 619 artifacts. The artifacts were tightly distributed in four separate clusters which were labeled as Areas A,B,C, and D. Since each of the artifact clusters represents different time periods/ and or use of the site, each of the clusters is discussed separately.
Area A
The artifact assemblage is dominated by bottle glass. China, window glass, and metal are approximately equal in percentage representation.
Area B
Area B has the most insulators of the four areas. The assemblage is dominated by bottle glass, china, and insulators.
Area C
Area C is dominated by bricks. The building at this location is reported by local residents to have had a brick chimney. Other than bricks, this area had the greatest diversity of artifacts ranging from ornamental glassware to parts of a bed.
Area D
The Area D assemblage is roughly equally split between bottle glass, metal, and bone. It was reported that large numbers of cartridges were recovered here in the past although only one was recovered. The sand substrate here provides excellent visibility for detecting metal objects and may have been collected from extensively.
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
8
Humboldt Telegraph Station magnetometer survey1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
9
Magnetometer Survey ResultsMagnetic surveys were completed at three of the four artifact clusters located within this quarter section. One grid produced an anomaly associated with the telegraph station (Area B) while a second grid identified a cellar associated with the Ducharme House (Area A).
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
10
At the Humboldt Telegraph Station site1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
11
Test Excavation ResultsTest excavations were completed at three locations: Area A, Area B, and Area D.
Area A
The magnetic map of Area A indicated a large feature, possibly a cellar. To test this feature, a set of three intersecting test trenches was completed. The second trench encountered the cellar feature.
Area B
The magnetic map of Area B indicated a strong anomaly near the east end of the grid. A trench was excavated at this locale and uncovered an occupation floor that contained a number of historic artifacts. The floor was recognizable because of its compact nature, ashy white colour and high artifact content, and had an apparent post and a divider in it.
Area D
The magnetic map of Area D indicated a series of weak anomalies scattered throughout the grid. The trench that was positioned later showed to have been positioned over a blank spot on the magnetic map. In profiling the trench, however, a faint feature was noted that was interpreted as evidence of a previously excavated trench.
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
12
Excavating the Humboldt Telegraph Station site1995
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
13
ConclusionsFour separate artifact clusters were identified at the site. In conjunction with the historical review, it is possible to assign names and functions to the various features of the site.
Area A was determined to be the location of the Ducharme House. This was a building first constructed and occupied by an assistant to the Weldons. This house may have also functioned as a mail station. The test excavations indicate that at least the cellar has survived intact at this location.
Area B was determined to be the location of the original telegraph station built by Weldon. This area had the highest concentration of telegraph artifacts and fits in relationship to the Ducharme house.
Area C was determined to be the location of the homestead built by Josef Faul. No follow-up work was completed here and so it is not known whether there are intact structural remains at this location.
Area D was found to be the area occupied by Fort Denison. Follow-up work indicated the presence of one buried trench at the site.
Information from the 1995 Archaeological and Historical Investigations at "Old Humboldt" by James T. Finnigan, Dale Russell, and Terry Gibson.
14
Humboldt Station artifact2003
Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada
 |
 |
 |
 |