Appraisal of the Archeological Resources of the Big Sandy Reservoir Sublette and Sweetwater Counties, Wyoming

The present appraisal of the archeological resources of the Big Sandy Reservoir is the result of a five-day survey(May 20-24)of the area by two men, George Metcalf and Lee Madison, who were loaned temporarily from the Missouri Basin Project to make the investigations. The purpose of the survey, which was made at the request of the National Park Service, was to determine to what extent archeological remains occur in and near the reservoir area and whether such materials are likely
to be destroyed or damaged as a result of the construction of the dam and related works. Since it is impossible, even if it were desirable, to excavate all of the sites in the area, an appraisal of their relative importance has been made on the basis of the scanty data furnished by this reconnaissance. Investigations in the Big Sandy Reservoir were confined to surface surveys with some test pitting at the more promising sites. No previous work has been done within the area nor in the immediate locality and local collectors seem to be unaware that sites are present.

Fifteen sites, twelve of which lie within the reservoir, were recorded by the survey party. Outside the reservoir, one site (Finley) was recorded in Sweetwater County and two (Sublette Flats 1 and 2) in Sublette County. Of the 12 sites recorded in the Big Sandy Reservoir basin, 11 are classified as occupational areas and one as a burial site. Two sites are situated above the 6763-foot contour and will not be inundated or damaged by wave action. Although one burial site has been reported, the burial was not seen by the survey personnel. It was reported by several persons who had seen it, among them a workman who had helped remove the human bones from the spot where they were found. This site has since been destroyed by construction activities. Only three of the sites discovered are recommended for
investigation. So far as the others are concerned equally representative examples are present outside of the area to be flooded. The three where some salvage work should be done are described below (48SW4, 48SU4, 48SU5).