What's Happening at Garden Creek Today?
The Plott family sold their property at Garden Creek in the 1950's, and in 1958, the first houses of a neighborhood development were built. The Garden Creek archaeological site is still currently situated in a residential area. Although such development dramatically impacts the archaeological record, the presence of local residential community presents an opportunity to cultivate grassroots archaeological stewardship and a sense of preservation for local histories. GCAP was only possible thanks to the generosity, patience, and assistance of families who live on what remains of the centuries-old Garden Creek site. Considering the many threats facing the archaeological record of Native North America – looting, erosion, development, plowing, and more – these sorts of partnerships between archaeologists and neighbors with sites literally in their backyards charts a way forward for archaeological discovery and site preservation in the 21st century.
Picture taken of the excavation with contemporary housing from the surrounding community in view (GCAP 2012).
Photo courtesy of Dr. Alice Wright
Picture taken of the excavation with contemporary housing from the surrounding community in view (GCAP 2012).
Photo courtesy of Dr. Alice Wright