CHAMPOEG, Ore. -- Champoeg State Park will be the site of an archeological dig for the next six weeks.
An OSU professor and 25 of his archeology students started digging and sifting through the remains of Robert Newell’s home early Friday morning. Newell was a politician and chief promoter of the town of Champoeg.
On Friday, dozens of visitors toured the site and checked out the pieces students have uncovered in the past - from buttons to pieces of ceramics.
Professor of Anthropology David Brauner said this is a way to learn about lifestyle in the 1830s. It's the fifth excavation of the site in the last 10 years.
Howard Gile visited the site last year. He said watching the excavation gives him an appreciation for history.
“To me it’s pretty incredible these people were able to come here and start a society with the hardships they must’ve faced,” Gile said.
Last year, archeology students uncovered 9,000 pieces at the site. If you’d like to check out a free guided tour, the schedule is available here.
