Archaeologists Find Early Artifacts of Sandpoint

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) — An archaeological dig conducted ahead of a northern Idaho highway project has resulted in nearly 600,000 artifacts from the late 1800s to early 1900s found at Sandpoint's original town site.

The Bonner County Daily Bee reports that officials unveiled some of the artifacts Friday from the dig conducted from 2005 to 2008. The dig preceded the $100 million U.S. Highway 95 realignment project called the Sand Creek Byway. The dig turned up hundreds of bottles, including a hundred empty champagne splits as well as patent medicine bottles.

Other items found include hair combs, buttons, toys, beads, a gun, and items from a Chinese laundry. Bob Weaver of The Environmental History Co. oversaw the project. He says the dig offered a unique opportunity to find a wide array of artifacts.