Mitchell, South Dakota is home to an archaeological treasure – an Indian village dating back to the 1800s. This ancient village is a reminder of the strong cultural heritage of the Native American people and an important part of the history of the area.
The village was discovered in 1874 by a group of miners, who came upon the remains of a large structure made of stones, poles and bark. The miners quickly realized that the structure was not of natural origin, and that it was the remains of a long-forgotten Indian village.
Since its discovery, the village has been studied by archaeologists, who have uncovered a wealth of information about the people who lived there. It is believed that the village was occupied by the Arapaho tribe during the early 1800s. The village was made up of a series of small lodges and huts, surrounded by a ditch and palisade. Inside the palisade, the archaeologists found evidence of several different activities, such as farming, hunting, and gathering.
The village also provides insight into the spiritual life of the Arapaho people. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts that suggest the village was used for religious ceremonies and rituals. These artifacts include ceremonial poles, decorated pottery, and ornate pipes.
Today, the archaeological site is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours of the village and learn about its history. Mitchell is also home to a museum dedicated to the village, where visitors can view artifacts and learn more about the Arapaho people. Visitors are also often allowed to help out by washing and sorting some of the artifacts that are found but they are not allowed to do any actual digging.