Geophysical Investigations of the North Liberty Cemetery (13CD158), Cedar County, Iowa

Between August 20 and 22, 2008, geophysical investigations were conducted at the North Liberty Cemetery (13CD158) in Cedar County, Iowa. The geophysical investigations including magnetic, resistance, and ground penetrating radar survey techniques. The project was requested by the Iowa State Historic Preservation Office staff for the non-invasive and non-destructive investigations of the unmarked portion of the North Liberty Cemetery as part of the National Park Service's technical assistance and support of the National Park Service's Underground Railroad thematic study and the State's Freedom Trail Project. The survey was conducted by the National Park Service's Midwest Archeological Center and State Historic Preservation Office staff and volunteers. The geophysical survey results indicated the presence of a disturbed area in the northwest comer of the cemetery that may be related to the burial of seventeen fugitive slaves in the unmarked portion of the cemetery. A total of3,200 m2 or 0.76 acres were surveyed during the geophysical investigations at the cemetery site.