Archaeological Reconnaissance and Architectural Inventory for Selected Areas Within the Des Moines Recreational River and Greenbelt Proposed Raccoon River Regional Park, West Des Moines, Iowa. Phase 1

Abstract

Abstract : This project represents the results of a Phase I archaeological and architectural investigation for selected areas within the proposed Raccoon River Regional Park in West Des Moines, Iowa. This study follows the recommendations of a previous land use history investigation of the project area and involved archaeological and architectural field reconnaissance and evaluation of the areas pinpointed by that study. Previous archival and oral historical research indicated that, historically, the majority of the project area was relatively inaccessible and flood prone throughout the nineteenth century, thus inhibiting actual settlement until the early twentieth century when river channel changes made the area more accessible. One farmstead was known to-have been located within the borders of the project area; however, the-Phase I field investigation resulted in the conclusion that the farmstead and all its associated structures were destroyed by the mining operations. This investigation also resulted in the recording of three extant buildings, all of which are less than 50 years of age and determined to be ineligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings require no further investigation. The field investigation found no archaeological sites within the impact zone of the proposed park construction and project clearance is recommended.