River Basin Surveys Papers: Inter-Agency Archaeological Salvage Program, No. 15-20

In the present volume of River Basin Surveys papers there are six reports pertaining to a phase of the Inter-Agency Archaeological Salvage Program which thus far has not been given as much publicity as some of the other activities. The articles deal with a series of historic sites investigations which were carried. on in the Fort Randall and Garrison Reservoir areas and in the spillway area below the Oshe
Dam. The field investigations were based on extensive documentary studies which were made by Merrill J. Mattes and Ray H. Mattison, historians on the staff of the Region Two office of the National Park Service at Omaha, Nebr. Mr. Mattes prepared a detailed report concerning the historic sites located in the Fort Randall Reservoir area while Mr. Mattison compiled the necessary data for the Oahe and Garrison Reservoirs. In each case extensive studies were made on the ground for the purpose of locating and identifying as far as possible the various forts and trading posts mentioned in the journals of the early explorers and the records of the various fur-trading companies which operated along that portion of the Missouri River. From the evidence thus obtained. Mr. Mattes was able to recommend specific sites for excavation. In some cases there was no question about the identity of the site involved, but in others excavations were required to determine whether or not a correct identification had been made or if perchance the location was that of some other post.