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4 DES MOINES - KNOXVILLE
THE PALACE SITE
The Palace Site in Des Moines is an
exceptionally well-preserved early site with
several occupations. The earliest occupa-
tion dates to about 7000 years ago and has
one or two houses. The main occupation
is dated to about 6800 years ago and has
three or four likely houses. Later occupations
contained no activity areas other than shell
middens.
A 6800-year old burial of an adult female
and a young child is the oldest in Iowa and
displays evidence of burial preparation in-
cluding being covered with hematite, a red
pigment.
The site was excavated in 2010 and
2011 by the Office of the State Archae-
ologist. Artifacts were plotted with a laser
transit in three dimensions. This, combined
with extensive soil sampling, flotation for
botanicals, and the excellent preservation of
the site will allow for detailed reconstruction
of activities at the site.
