| From 2002 to 2005 various non-destructive remote sensing techniques were used to relocate unmarked graves in both the "Old" Fort Laramie Cemetery, and the historic section of the modern Fort Laramie Cemetery. The cemeteries were used from 1834 to 1867, and 1867 to present, respectively. Individuals who might have been buried in them include fur trappers and traders, their Native American wives and children, Euroamerican emigrants, U.S. military personnel and their families, and other local civilian residents. The RM15 ground resistivity meter, FM36 fluxgate gradiometer, EM38B electromagnetic ground conductivity and susceptibility meter, and SIR3000 ground penetrating radar (GPR) system and cart with a 400 mega-hertz antenna were used to successfully detect graves in the cemeteries. Additional testing was conducted with a three inch hand auger, and a Fisher metal detector. Aerial photography was also employed to help identify large features such as ditches, roads, and foundations. |
