Transmission by design: Archaeo-geophysics and the built environment of the Moravian Gnadenhutten Mission, Ohio

This paper presents the results of geophysical and archaeological investigations of the 18th century Moravian mission town at Gnadenhutten, Ohio. Magnetic gradiometer and ground penetrating radar surveys were conducted at the site to detect and interpret subsurface anomalies. Geophysical anomalies were assigned to typological classification through an analysis of anomaly attribute data. A selection of geophysical anomalies was investigated through core sampling and test unit excavation to assess anomaly interpretations and test a hypothesized layout of the built environment of the Gnadenhutten Mission. Aspects of 18th century Moravian culture and the research from contemporary Moravian mission sites were studied to infer a consistency in design in the physical and social landscapes of these communities. It is argued that the built environment of Moravian mission towns were based on a replicable model developed to promote internal communal control as well as to project an outward appearance of idyllic communitarianism and civility.