The fascinating exploration of a vanished settlement in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, told within the framework of an archaeologist’s memoir. While excavating Alberta’s most important historic sandstone quarry, archaeologist and oral historian Shari Peyerl uncovers fascinating clues about the province’s past. From metal fragments and dusty artifacts, she pieces together a story about a settlement situated in today’s picturesque Glenbow Provincial Park. Chronicling the development of ranching, village life, industry, and the Canadian Pacific Railway, Alberta’s Cornerstone is an engaging and authoritative history that reads like an archaeological detective story. As Peyerl dispels archaeological myths, explains scientific techniques, and shares the excitement of unearthing lost histories, she introduces readers to a colourful array of characters who once lived at Glenbow, including a local embezzler, Alberta’s first graduate nurse, a Canadian soccer champion, an acclaimed mathematician, and a member of an international spy agency. Written for the general public, the detective-like attention to detail of this carefully annotated book will also appeal to historical scholars. Beautifully illustrated with modern colour photographs and many historic photographs (including fifteen previously unpublished), Alberta’s Cornerstone brings the ghosts of Glenbow to life.

Covers manufacturing techniques, lithic types and materials, reduction strategies and techniques, worldwide lithic technology, production variables, meaning of form, and usewear and residue analysis.

This book examines evidence gathered from 81 sites in the region, and includes information on occupation from late Holocene times, as well as ancient trade networks, cultural influences from north and south, and the Cree living in the region at the time of European contact.

Presentation of a number of obscure previously published articles, unpublished reports and new research of significance to Alberta Archaeology. McKean Lithic Technology, Archaeology of the Cremona-Sundre area, Cluny Earthlodges, Cree Burial Practices, Donalda Buffalo Pound field report, Early Man and the Ice-Free Corridor, F.M. Buffalo Jump, Gull Lake Heritage Assessment, Ice Retreat and Glacial Lakes in Northern Alberta, Medicine Hills Assessment, Medicine River Crossing Cree Settlement, Battle River-Meeting Creek Land Use, North Peace Historic Settlement Sites, 111 St. Burial (Edmotnon) independent assessment, Pelican Lake Culture, Prehistoric Population Reconstructions, Trail Pattern Studies, NE Red Deer Land Use study, Rissdale Historic Cemeteries, Tail Creek Metis Settlement, Alberta Moundbuilder Culture, Battle River-Souris River Corridor, Silver Creek Ranch Site and surrounding area, Unfinished Projects, Western Cree Tipis, Ethics in Alberta Archaeology. 344 pages. Illustratio