North Dakota--Elkhorn Ranch

Memorandum from James B. Thompson to Fred C. Fagergren

Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park, James B. Thompson, tells Regional Director Fred C. Fagergren that he agrees with Theodore E. White’s assessment that White is not the appropriate person to cull the Elkhorn Ranch archeological collection. The park does not have another staff member who is qualified, either. Thompson asks if a qualified historical archaeologist is available within the region, or if there is someone available from the East Coast.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1970-02-18

Memorandum from Jimmie L. Dunning to James B. Thompson

Jimmie L. Dunning, acting chief of the Division of Park Support, tells Superintendent Thompson of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park that he has conferred with Dr. Wilfred D. Logan, chief of the Midwest Archaeological Center, and they will schedule a historical archaeologist to work on the Elkhorn Ranch collection soon.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1970-03-03

Memorandum from Gregory A. McClure to the historian of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Park Technician Gregory A. McClure writes to the historian of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park notifying them that archaeological specimens from the Elkhorn Ranch site are being returned to be used as display material. McClure advises care in handling the specimens.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1971-09-29

Memorandum from James B. Thompson to J. Leonard Volz

Superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park Thompson acknowledges the return of Elkhorn Ranch artifacts which a curator has now cataloged. He asks Midwest Region Director Volz if there is anything in the collection that is not covered by the report previously prepared by Dee Calderwood Taylor.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1971-11-15

Memorandum from Gregory A. McClure to the historian of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Gregory A. McClure writes to the Historian of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park asking if the Historian would confirm receipt of the previously sent cartons of archaeological materials from Elkhorn Ranch.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1972-02-09

Letter from Paul L. Beaubien to Dee Calderwood Taylor

Regional Archeologist Beaubien wishes he could talk to Professor Taylor about several ideas he has regarding the proposed archaeological investigation of the Elkhorn Ranch site, including details about funding and the site location. He asks if Taylor wants to spend June with his Yellowstone group and then move to Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park to begin the excavation. Beaubien will call soon to see what Taylor thinks.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1959-02-25

National register of historic places inventory – nomination form for Elkhorn Ranch Site and Maltese Cross Cabin

A form nominating the Elkhorn Ranch Site and Maltese Cross Cabin in Theodore Roosevelt National Park for entry onto the National Register of Historic Places. The form includes basic information about these sites, including name, location, and managing agency, as well as descriptions of the physical appearance of the sites and statements describing their historical significance.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1976-12-22

Elkhorn Ranch fence post drawing

A number of fence posts were discovered through an archaeological survey of the Elkhorn Ranch site. This description includes a drawing of the location of the posts, as well as detailed drawings and measurements of the arrangement of several posts.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

Unknown

Elkhorn Ranch archeological-historical base map

This map depicts the areas of the Elkhorn Ranch site that were excavated during the investigations of 1957 and 1959, including the ranch house, corral, chicken pen, utility shed, well, and stable, as well as blacksmith shop and dugout. A zoomed out view shows the unit’s position relative to the surrounding area. The map also presents a brief description of the two archeological excavations that took place.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1963-07

Elkhorn Ranch specimen catalog

A catalog of 746 archaeological specimens discovered at the Elkhorn Ranch site. Each specimen is numbered, has a brief title or description, and a note describing the location where the item was found within the site.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1959

Elkhorn Ranch cartridge list

A list of various types and quantities of cartridges found at the Elkhorn Ranch site during the 1957 archaeological excavation.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1957

Preliminary planning report on the Elkhorn Ranch

This report details a number of proposals for developing the Elkhorn Ranch site as a part of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. Following a brief description of the site’s history and reasoning for the site’s preservation, plans for the development of the site are described, to make the area accessible and understandable to visitors. Maps and photographs are included along with the text.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1956-11

Memorandum from James B. Thompson to Fred C. Fagergren

Superintendent Thompson of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park reports to Regional Director Fagergren that the excavations at the Elkhorn Ranch site by Paul L. Beaubien and Dee Calderwood Taylor have amassed a large number of artifacts. Before these artifacts are cataloged, they need to be culled, but the park’s budget will not allow for hiring a qualified worker to do this. He hopes that the Park Service as a whole can help.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1970-01-27

North Dakota cultural resources survey for the Elkhorn Ranch site

The cultural resources survey, created sometime after 1977, includes information on site access, a description, environmental surroundings, archaeological excavations and types of artifacts found, and a list of published works on the Elkhorn Ranch site.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

Unknown

Letter from Fred J. Novak to Dee Calderwood Taylor

National Park Service Acting Regional Director Novak acknowledges receipt of Professor Taylor’s report, “Archeological Investigations of the Elkhorn Ranch Site,” and praises the report. He asks that Mrs. Taylor, who had prepared the work, submit a bill.

Collection

Midwest Archeological Center

Creation Date

1962-08-17

Draft environmental statement

This draft environmental statement describes the area proposed to be designated as wilderness in Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park. It evaluates the positive and negative impacts of such a designation and records the comments that have been collected from various sources.

Collection

Denver Public Library

Creation Date

1972-09-18

Theodore Roosevelt NMP

This document contains some limited descriptive notes on the history and status of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park in 1930 and in 1945. In 1945, the Forest Service land is badly overgrazed, but the Park land–including grassland and some badlands–is in good condition. There are also some limited notes on Elkhorn Ranch.

Collection

Denver Public Library

Creation Date

1945-

History of Medora

The document outlines the history of Medora, North Dakota, since its founding in 1883 by French nobleman Antoine Amédée Marie Vincent Manca de Vallombrosa Morès and his wife, Medora von Hoffman, after whom the town is named. The significance of the cattle industry in the town is highlighted and prominent men associated with Medora, such as Theodore Roosevelt and the poet James W. Foley, are also noted. A map of Medora is included. On the map, an arrow notes the location of a hearing.

Collection

Denver Public Library

Creation Date

Unknown

Joint announcement of hearings

A group of conservationist organizations announce the plans for wilderness areas within Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the public hearings in connection with those plans. Included in the announcement are maps and descriptions of specific areas within the park, as conservationists hope to pay special attention to issues of park boundaries at the hearings.

Collection

Denver Public Library

Creation Date

1970-11-18

Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park Master Plan Summary

This master plan summary for Theodore Roosevelt National Park outlines the National Park Service’s plans for the Park. It outlines the historical, geological, and natural significance of the Park as the former site of Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch and the home to wildlife and unique geology. The proposed changes to the Park include a boundary change in the North Unit, the acquisition of the remaining privately-owned lands, provisions for additional facilities for employees and visitors, and accessibility improvements and updates.

Collection

Denver Public Library

Creation Date

1970