Delaware Bridge Cairn

Diagram in The Missouri Archaeologist article by Richard A. Marshall, Vol 18 No. 4.

Prehistoric Page

While the design of the web site is being done by the Publications Department at Missouri State University we are beginning to work on the content of the "museum rooms". Beth Bullock, an intern this semester, is researching the prehistoric elements of the Delaware Town area. She has been looking at artifacts in CAR's collection and using research materials in our library. The Prehistory of Missouri by O'Brien and Wood is an excellent resource. She is also working with an article in a 1956 volume of The Missouri Archaeologist about the Delaware Bridge Cairn Site. As Beth goes through the artifacts she will be selecting items to include in the Prehistoric Occupation page.

Doug Seneker Analyzes Ammunition

Doug Seneker, a member of the Ozarks Chapter of the Missouri Archaeological Society, came to CAR yesterday to analyze the ammunition related artifacts found in the Delaware Town area. We are interested in identifying Civil War era lead bullets, lead balls, and metal artifacts that may be parts of weapons. Dr. Jones and Dr. Lopinot are interested in identifying the location Sigel crossed the James River when he retreated south from the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Confederate troops ambushed Sigel and his men after they crossed the river in the Delaware Town area. The location of Civil War era ammunition will help pinpoint this action.

The lead balls were weighed in grams and then converted to grains. By measuring the diameter he determined the caliber. He also looks at details such as rings or grooves, rifling, and damage. One of the first conical bullets he looked at was a 52calliber Sharps Ringtail. Another interesting piece was a brass 12mm Pinfire, one of the earliest metal cartridge designs. Mr. Seneker said it was made in France and was probably used by an officer.