If you have visited downtown Bismarck, North Dakota, in the last few months, you may have seen a few familiar faces! Metcalf Archaeology™ has been on site in the heart of downtown Bismarck during the restoration of aportion of waterline and streetscapes.
The City of Bismarck, in partnership with North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), has contracted Metcalf to document Bismarck’s history.
“[We’ve been] monitoring for cultural resources – looking for historic items.” Damita Engel, vice president and principal investigator at Metcalf Archaeology™, said about Metcalf’s work on the project. “The last time the water main was replaced was the 1930s-1950s, so items from that period or before were likely.”
Urban Archaeology and Metcalf
Urban archaeology, or archaeology specializing in the material past of towns and cities, gives archaeologists the opportunity to work with the public to illustrate the history and heritage of their cities. Since starting on the project, Metcalf has found many items that help tell downtown Bismarck’s story. “[We’ve found] steam tunnel remnants, a section of rail from the old trolley tracks, glass and ceramic ware, [a] metal pulley wheel, pipe stringer rollers, and bricks – lots of bricks.” said Engel.
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The trolley tracks found tell an interesting story of repurposing and reusing. While the track was once a part of the trolley system, the track was reused to help cover an abandoned steam line, as pavement was built on top of it. As cities grow, they build on top of older layers of the town. Urban archaeologists investigate these layers to unearth the rich history of the city, its culture, and its residents.
Full Steam Ahead
Several steam-heating structural items were found as well. These items date to the 1930s when Bismarck’s district-wide heating system tied into the power-plant.
“The steam works that fed downtown Bismarck have been cool to see,” Engel said, “the steam plant was knocked down for a restaurant, and that was knocked down for a bank! Progress and development of downtown continues, but the old charm of the Patterson building and the old depot showcase the history of the downtown area.”
With a project of this size, many people are involved. Metcalf Archaeology™has had the pleasure of working with the City of Bismarck Engineers, Reede Construction, BEK, Strata, and Prairie View Landscaping and Nursery. Liz France and Bill Bluemle, project directors at Metcalf Archaeology™, were also involved in this project.
The project on 4th, 5th, and 6th streets and from Main Avenue to Thayer Avenue began in May 2022 with a projected wrap-up date of October. Once finished, streets and concrete will be repaired and pedestrian facilities will be improved. “The project is going well and on schedule.” Michael Mart, a project engineer for the City of Bismarck, said.
Interested in learning about other projects Metcalf has been a part of? Check out our Adventures on FactorEarth™ Explore!
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