Unearthing History – The 1880s Train Station Dig in the Dakotas
A Buried Treasure
During a recent dig behind the site of an 1880s train station in the Dakotas, a stoneware liquor jug emerged, buried for over 120 years. This find, possibly discarded by a passenger, hints at a lively past, with the abundance of liquor containers suggesting a saloon may have operated from the depot.
A Cache of Artifacts
The excavation revealed a time capsule from the 1880s to 1900, including 15 liquor flasks, 14 liquor bottles (mostly quarts), two liquor jugs, five beer bottles, one wine bottle, 11 medicine bottles, a jelly jar, a pickle bottle, and four prescription bottles. These items reflect a mix of commerce and daily life around the station.
Echoes of Social Life
These discoveries paint a picture of a bustling hub where social activities thrived, likely fueled by travelers and locals. The variety of goods suggests a community reliant on the train for goods and entertainment. As of 10:30 AM MDT on Sunday, June 22, 2025, X posts from 2024-2025 have highlighted similar finds, sparking interest in this frontier history.
A Window to the Past
This dig offers a glimpse into the station’s role beyond transit, inviting us to imagine the stories behind each artifact. What more might these relics reveal about life in the Dakotas over a century ago?
Stay tuned for more adventures in uncovering the past!
