UW–Milwaukee archaeologist: Pratt Trail work found Native American deposits, city to preserve in place

Jennifer Haas, director of the Archaeological Research Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, told the Oshkosh Parks Advisory Board that fieldwork connected to the Pratt Trail reconstruction identified intact cultural deposits beneath the road and artifacts along both sides of the roadway. “We began our involvement in the project in the early part of this year,” Haas said, describing background research and spring test pits that recovered earthenware ceramics, stone tools and animal bone consistent with a village occupation dated approximately AD 900–1400.

Haas said the team found cultural deposits within fill layers adjacent to the road and that features — such as hearths or house remnants — may extend under the pavement. Under a plan developed with the Wisconsin Historical Society, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and consulted tribal nations, an archaeologist will monitor excavation, map and document cultural features at the contact with intact soil, and the city will attempt to preserve those features in place when feasible.

City staff told the board that the project’s schedule changed after the fieldwork revealed more extensive deposits than anticipated. The reconstruction was initially planned to start in mid‑April with completion by June, but staff and the contractor pushed the start to August and now expect work to extend into the fall and to resume next spring as needed. Staff said they will use lakeside findings to inform design decisions for the opposite side of the road and are preparing construction plans over the coming weeks and months.

Board members asked whether the artifacts would be removed for museum curation or simply documented and covered. Haas said the agreed approach is documentation and mapping of cultural deposits followed by returning the roadbed, rather than large‑scale removal of features. She described the dating method as relative typology based on ceramic vessel styles and other diagnostic artifacts.

Ray (staff) said the city has notified groups that use park shelters that access and event plans may be affected while work continues; staff will coordinate further with regulatory agencies and tribal representatives before spring work resumes.

The board did not take formal action tonight beyond receiving the update. Staff said they will return with design adjustments and additional scheduling information during the next planning cycle.