Oliver Smith was digging on his property near Lake Metigoshe when his tool struck something unusual beneath the soil.
About six inches below the surface, he uncovered a copper spearhead measuring roughly six inches long. Its worn condition suggested that it had rested underground for many years, but the discovery became even more intriguing when attention turned to several nearby mounds believed to contain Native American graves.
In 1911, plans were already being made to excavate the area further.
Indian Relic
SOURIS, North Dakota. — While Oliver Smith was working on his lot at Lake Metigoshe, he found about six inches beneath the surface a copper spearhead about six inches long and evidently of Indian manufacture.
The ancient implement of war is in the shape of a long oval with a sharp edge all around and is heaviest through the center.
The condition of the metal would indicate that it has been buried for a long time.
Near the place where the spear head was found there are several mounds, now believed to be Indian graves. Further excavations will be made.
Source: The Evening Times. Grand Forks, N.D. August 1, 1911.
