Date Approved
2026
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
First Advisor
Bradley Ensor, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
María Luz García, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Julian Murchison, Ph.D.
Abstract
Settlement patterns and landscapes reveal important aspects of culture in history and prehistory. Historic settlement patterns in Oakwoods Metropark have only been loosely analyzed through the Eastern Michigan University archaeological survey of Oakwoods Metropark, providing limited and incomplete analysis. To remedy this, I used reconnaissance survey data collected by Eastern Michigan University’s Archaeological Field School to analyze the spatial distributions of functions for historic artifacts. I compared this data with expected settlement patterns based on soil quality. Results show that historic sites favor well-drained, elevated land within a mile of the river, in situations where that land is available. My study also identified points of interest that can be further explored by more intensive site surveys and excavations, refining site boundaries and interpretations as well as uncovering additional data. The survey data of my study supports existing interpretations, expands the body of historic period research that is present for Southeast Michigan, and can be used to guide future archaeological research.
Recommended Citation
Gryniewicz, Theodore Elizabeth, "Settlement patterns and landscape of historical sites in Oakwoods Metropark" (2026). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 910.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/910