For archeological properties, Section 7 should provide a narrative physical description of the property as it exists today and as it was in the past (during the period of significance). This section should also include a description of the property's past and current environmental setting and physical condition.

Outlining Section 7:

As previously stated, always begin with a summary paragraph that briefly describes the general characteristics of the property.

Describe the present and, if different, the relevant past environmental setting that prevailed during the property's period(s) of occupation or use, or its period of significance (which may relate to the time when the archeological research was done at the property). This description should focus on the environmental features or factors that are or were relevant to the location, use, formation, or preservation of the archeological property.

Describe the physical characteristics of the property including: site type, important structures or ruin, density of features, artifacts, ecofacts, the extent of the deposits, and integrity including any natural and cultural process that have disturbed the site.

Click here for an example of Section 7 using this property.

Travellers Rest, MT: Travellers Rest is the campsite where Lewis and Clark stopped before crossing the Bitterroot Mountains both on their 1805 trip west and on their return east the next year. Travellers Rest NHL is also eligible for NHL status under Criterion 6 for three reasons: Travellers Rest NHL has yielded historical archaeological information of major scientific importance by shedding light upon several aspects of the Corps of Discovery; Travellers Rest has the ability to provide additional significant historical archaeological information; and the information uncovered at Travellers Rest provides research potential for the entire Lewis and Clark Trail. Recent investigations at Travellers Rest offer new and consequential information about the Corps of Discovery not revealed during previous Lewis and Clark site studies As a result, the application of these methods and theories to other Lewis and Clark sites could greatly enhance and define theories regarding the expedition.