False 15past horizons In 1852, the U. S. government established Fort Massachusetts in Colorado’s San Luis Valley to control raids on local settlers by Ute Indians. However, its location proved unsatisfactory and in 1858 Fort Garland was established which continued as an important frontier outpost until 1883. After the abandonment of the fort, the San Luis Valley was largely bypassed by modern development and the remains of the old fort became forgotten. The result of this benign neglect is that the fort contains a rich archaeological record of daily life on the frontier. The questions that our archaeological project are trying to answer include: ? How many women and children were here? ? Did Victorian values survive on the frontier? ? Can we see evidence of the African- American ‘ Buffalo Soldiers’ in the archaeological record? ? What were living conditions really like? ? What were relations like between the garrison and the local, predominantly Hispanic, population that had only recently been part of Mexico? Fort Garland is lucky to have an active group of historical re- enactors in the area, and the fi eld school works closely with them. They are often the fi rst people we turn to when it comes to investigating problem artefacts as they have conducted excellent research into the periods they portray. Throughout the duration of the fi eld school, groups of re- enactors arrive and provide the students with hands- on experiences of living in the past using artefacts they may recognise from the excavation. It is the minutiae of every day life at a frontier outpost that grabs their attention. a re- enactor explains to visitors about life at the fort continued ? ? the re- enactors fi re cannons

False past horizons16 After attending these demonstrations, students have a greater understanding of life in the past and are then able to make better interpretations of what they are uncovering. Connecting archaeological excavation with re- enactment is a valuable teaching resource to place objects into context. The process of historical archaeology can be different from traditional North American prehistoric archaeology as in addition to the excavated material, there are also rich documentary sources and oral history records that can be consulted. The archaeological investigation can often provide solid evidence for many of our questions, but more often than not it presents us with even more questions. By cross referencing the various sources of information it is possible to build a clearer picture of real life at this outpost. An example came in 2006, when the team encountered a rubbish dump near the stables, which contained dateable material from the late 1870s. Many of the artefacts were unexpectedly of a feminine nature and given that the historical record showed an increased military presence at the fort during the Ute Campaign of 1879, the conclusion was that wives and camp followers, such as laundry women, were probably relocating to the fort along with the troops. Further investigation of railroad records showed a probable reason for the ease with which the women made the journey to Fort Garland; in 1878 a railway line had just been completed, making transport for women in hostile territories safer and faster. By excavation, artefact recognition and documentary analysis, a window on the past can be opened. Connecting re- enactment and archaeology allows for gaps to be fi lled, and there is plenty more to be discovered on this fascinating project. The answers we are looking for will come from this multi- disciplinary approach and with each season we are building a clearer picture of life on the frontier. ? Demonstration of metalworking within the fort Archaeology starts at any age Adams State College offers training under the direction of Dr. Goddard in the basic techniques of prehistoric and historical archaeology. Volunteers and casual visitors are welcome without charge, and where possible will be allowed to participate in fi eld school activities. www2. adams. edu/ academics/ fi eldschool/ ? Sorting trash fort garland field school