There is some really interesting archaeology being conducted right now in Chanhassen.
Local archaeological work is continuing to turn up rare artifacts and shed light on the Minnesota River Valleys earliest residents.
For the past several weeks, archaeologists have been busy excavating ancient campsites along County Road 61 in Chanhassen, near the Highway 101 bridge. Theyve discovered about 2,000 artifacts, including bison bones, the remains of an 8,000-year-old fire hearth, and a rare spear point, also dating back 8,000 years.
The site is important because there are few 8,000-year-old sites in Minnesota that are so well preserved," stated Frank Florin, with Florin Cultural Resource Services LLC, which is conducting the work. "The variety of artifacts from the site provides valuable information to help us understand ancient history, how people lived, and the environment at that time.
The workers are racing against time. Next June, construction is scheduled to begin on a new, flood-resistant, $54 million Highway 101 bridge, connecting Carver and Scott counties.
http://www.chaskaherald.com/news/activities/uncovering-the-past-artifacts-paint-picture-of-earliest-residents/article_f0a1e45c-3cb5-5673-9b71-ff53dee3f9fb.html