Introduction

The Fossil Butte National Monument archeological survey was conducted by University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology personnel during the fall months of 1973. The purpose of the project was to locate all archeological remains within the limits of the park's boundaries; to assess the potential of these remains, in terms of the National Register of Historic Places Criteria of Significance (36 CFR 800), for contributing to the archeological record and to make recommendations for protection of all remains under the monument's resource management program. The study also included a literature search to review other documented sites in the general area. Local collectors and amateurs were contacted for information concerning undocumented sites on, or in the vicinity of, the monument. Then a thorough foot inspection of all monument lands was conducted. As requested, no actual excavations were attempted although one site was promising enough to tempt an eager field crew.

Three prehistoric-period and two historic-period sites were found. These latter were not investigated or described because Fossil Butte National Monument Naturalist Bob Spears has compiled a research file for these remains.