TAHLEQUAH —
Cherokee Nation officials preparing for a road project have discovered what could be more than 60 grave sites near State Highway 100 in eastern Cherokee County.
The tribe’s road department plans to widen about a three-mile stretch of 863 Road, connecting Welling Road to Rocky Mountain Road.
In the process of acquiring right-of-way land for utility placement and ditches, crews found two unmarked stones. Cherokee Nation Roads Department Director Michael Lynn said the stones were not disturbed, and no dirt has been turned on the project.
On Sept. 28, the Cherokee Nation used ground-penetrating radar and identified what could be 61 grave sites in the same area, Lynn said. He said it is unknown whether they might be Cherokee, community or animal burial sites.
An archaeologist is now coordinating with the tribe to conduct further study of what the radar showed. Lynn said the Tenkiller School Road Project is still slated for a 2013 completion date, and the plans shouldn’t be significantly altered to avoid the area.
“Whatever the finding, we are going to avoid the area,” said Lynn. “The Cherokee Nation promotes preserving history and culture and would never cause harm to a community resting place.”
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Cherokee Nation officials are working with an archaeologist to study what may be 61 grave sites discovered in eastern parts of Cherokee County. Josh Newton
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Dozens of possible grave sites discovered
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