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85. Geophysical Surveys of the Perimeter Fortification
System at the Site of the Second Fort Smith, Fort Smith National
Historic Site, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Nickel, Robert K. and William J. Hunt, Jr.
In a two-week period in September 1999, a team from the Midwest Archeological
Center conducted geophysical surveys of the perimeter fortification
system at the location of the Second Fort Smith. The work included
magnetic surveying, soil resistance surveying, and the application
of ground-penetrating radar. Electrical resistance and ground-penetrating
radar data revealed several sections of the perimeter wall and portions
of three bastions. In addition, a number of other features that may
represent historic structures were documented. The urban setting
of Fort Smith limits the applicability of magnetic surveying. Although
presenting different views of the archeological features, the soil
resistance measurements and ground-penetrating radar reflections
are both well suited to mapping buried archeological features at
Fort Smith National Historic Site.
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