Planning the Web Site

The last few weeks have involved a number of discussions about the appearance and design of the web site "Where the Wilson Meets the James." The site will have pages for different archeaological sites associated with different cultural groups, occupations, or events. In addition, we want thumbnails of associated artifacts and documents to enlarge with additional information. It took a while for me to understand how a web page is designed to change and connect. Once I understood I began looking at different web sites for ideas. I found the Nelson- Atkins Art Museum site very appealing ( http://www.nelson-atkins.org/welcome/FAQ.cfm) . With that in mind I have started the process of design with the Publications Department at Missouri State University.

Last Week of Field School

The last week of the 2007 Field School was spent at the Delaware Town area. Identifying the location of the ambush upon Sigel's troops as they retreated from the Battle of Wilson's Creek was the primary investigation goal. Metal detecting and shovel tests were conducted over a large area to locate artifacts that would identify the area of the ambush. This will also provide information that will help locate the old roads in the area. The data has yet to be analyzed. We are looking forward to Dr. Jones interpretation of the research.

Inventory of Past Field School Artifacts

Beth Bullock, a senior Anthropology student, has been inventorying the artifact collection from the 1999 and 2000 Delaware Town field schools. Beth is planning a three hour internship at CAR in the fall to help select artifacts and documents for the virtual museum and write text for the pages. She will work closely with Dr. Holly Jones preparing the content for the website.

Subject Overview

The map below shows the approximate location of the Trail of Tears, Wire Road, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, and Delaware Town. The Delaware Indians settled along the James River in the 1820's. The Cherokee moved through Greene and Christian Counties on the Trail of Tears in 1838. Documents place the Trail of Tears near the Danforth House in eastern Greene County and at Bell Tavern near the Delaware Town Bridge in nothern Christian County. Events during the battle at Wilson's Creek also took place in the Delaware Town area. The artifacts shown in the slide show are from the Bell Tavern archaeological site.


(Map is based on one prepared by the Greene County Historical Society in 1983, art work by Doris Waddell)

New Blog Template

We are trying out a new blog Template which we feel is a style that is a closer match to the soon to be Delaware Town virtual museum (VM). Also, the light color background is easier on the eyes while reading than the black background of the previously used template.

This is still a work in progress and we welcome any suggestions.

In other news, we have started preliminary discussions pertaining to the layout and look of the VM. Furthermore, we will be meeting with MSU computer services next Monday to determine the viability our ideas. In preparation to this meeting I will be putting together a mock-up of the Web site which I will post here once finished. I'll also include some descriptions of the sites functionality (feedback needed)...so stay tuned.

-C