Professional archaeologists and historians, from both the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and private contractors, conduct cultural resource investigations in compliance with state and federal laws. Cultural resources include archaeological sites and extant historic buildings, structures, districts and objects; they are the material remains of our shared social history. Due to the volume of work completed over nearly 40 years, INDOT has likely been the largest sponsor of archaeological and historic investigations in the state. In order to support both educational and research interests, the Indiana Department of Transportation Cultural Resources Office (INDOT, CRO) is placing selected publications online.
Archaeology Reports
The archaeological work sponsored by INDOT has resulted in thousands of reports. Some investigations have yielded important information on Prehistoric (10,000 B.C to A.D. 1650) and Historic Period (A.D. 1650 to present) cultures. Some of the more important investigations are presented here.
Due to restrictions on revealing archaeological site locations, some of the reports have been edited for publication. Site locations have been removed.
- Archaeological Investigations at the Moore Site: A Multi-Component Site Near the Forks of the Wabash, Huntington County, Indiana
- Archaeological Investigations at the Ehler Site: An Early 19th Century Miami Indian Habitation Site Near the Forks of the Wabash, Huntington County, Indiana
Archaeological Investigation at the Diefenbaugh Site (12-Hu-396): Prehistoric and Historic Occupations in the Upper Wabash Valley, Huntington County, Indiana.
Historic Reports and Mitigation
The history of our nation, our state and our communities is embodied in the built environment. The historic districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects represent a very real, tangible link to our history. In sum, these properties symbolize the trends, the pattern of our shared history and therefore the foundation of what it means to be a Hoosier or an American.
The selected Historic Reports provided below represent some of the unique surveys completed and resources identified for INDOT projects.
- Gary Fifth Avenue Sign
- Historic bridges of Shelby County Brochure
- Historic Survey and National Register Evaluation of INDOT District Garages 1919-1965
- The Industrial Heritage of Lamasco
- Lithia Spring Signboard
- Old Jeffersonville Historic Preservation Plan
- Old Rensselaer Subdistrict Garage
- S.R. 1 Bridge over Salt Fort Creek (Dearborn County)
- S.R. 257 Bridge over Veale Creek (Daviess County)
- Tour of Historic Brookville
- U.S. 421 Milton-Madison Bridge
- Utica Township Lime Kilns Historic Preservation Plan
- Utica Township Lime Kilns Brochure
Presentations
In addition to the reports of investigation, INDOT, CRO and cultural resources consultants have put together educational or procedural presentations over the years.
- Post Review Discoveries Policy
- Of Grave Concern
- An article from Outdoor Indiana Magazine, September/October 2016
- For subscriptions and other information, please see OutdoorIndiana.org
Related Links
- Archaeology
- History
- Material Culture Studies