Manuscripts Collection
George Hubert Smith was born on January 11, 1908 in Miller, South Dakota, son of Daniel H. Smith. His family later moved to Minneapolis, where he attended the University of Minnesota.
During the 1930s and 1940s Smith was involved in a variety of federally funded projects. Under the National Park Service (NPS) he was assistant supervisor at both the Grand Portage and Fort Ridgely excavations (1936), and senior foreman and archaeologist in charge of excavation and restoration at Fort Ridgely (1937-1938). While attending the University of Chicago graduate school (1939-1941), he spent summers as an NPS excavation crew supervisor at Fort Laramie National Monument in Wyoming. He also served in the WPA as Minnesota Statewide Archaeology and Historic Research Survey assistant supervisor (1941), and as the Minnesota Art Project museum unit supervisor (January 1942).
In late January 1942 he was inducted into the U.S. Army and assigned to the Medical
Department. He served in hospitals in Denver and Charleston (South Carolina), and in
the Atlantic on board the hospital ship
He was appointed Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) museum curator in January 1946, a position he held until 1949. During 1950-1951 he again worked for the NPS, undertaking a research project about the LaVérendryes, a family of French-Canadian fur traders and explorers.
In 1951 he began his 17-year career with the Smithsonian Institution's River Basin Surveys, attached to the Missouri Basin Project based in Lincoln, Nebraska. His career revolved mainly around salvage archaeology excavating historic sites before the flooding caused by construction of the various Missouri River reservoirs. He spent winters in the Lincoln office and most summers supervising field work at such sites as forts Stevenson, Berthold, Pierre II, George, Defiance, Sully, and Manuel; Regis Loisel's trading post; and the Red Cloud Agency.
For a short time in 1953-1954, while Smith was separated from the MBP (due to staff reductions), he worked for the MHS Grand Portage Committee conducting an excavation near that site.
In 1955 he was "loaned" to the U.S. Department of Justice to prepare an ethno-historical sketch of the Omaha People and present it before the Indian Claims Commission. On several occasions he was also "loaned" to other NPS regions, including Georgetown (D.C.), Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine (Baltimore), the Chattahoochie River Basin (Alabama-Georgia), and Yorktown (Virginia). Smith retired from the MBP in August 1968.
An accomplished author and researcher, Smith both presented and published numerous papers dealing with archaeology, ethnology, ethno-history, folklore, history, and photographs as historical documents. He was also a collector of stereographs documenting Minnesota and upper Missouri River history and culture.
He died unexpectedly of a brain tumor on March 25, 1972, in Lincoln.
Included are letters, maps and drawings, photographs, clippings, reports, academic papers and articles, and research notes. There are also materials documenting G. Hubert Smith's professional friendship with Ralph D. Brown; his National Park Service archaeological work at Fort Laramie (Wyoming); his stereograph collection; and his research projects regarding early Minnesota photographers, the LaVérendrye family's mid-18th century explorations in the upper Missouri Valley, the ethno-history of the Omaha Indians, and early Minnesota explorers, especially Count Paolo Andreani, George W. Featherstonhaugh, and Joseph N. Nicollet.
Materials relating to his field work on Minnesota and Missouri River Basin historic sites focus on his historical research, weekly reports, archaeological methodology, and recovered artifacts.
Also included is correspondence between Adaline Clark and G. Hubert Smith documenting their long distance relationship while she was at the Haskell Institute in the 1930s.
These documents are organized into the following sections:
Accession number: 3918; 4687; 5363; 10,366; 13,685; 14,761; 15,089; 16,218
Processed by: Cheryl Norenberg Thies, July 1987; Alex Kent, March 2011
Processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with a Basic Project
grant awarded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission
Catalog ID number: 001717519
The bulk of these chronologically arranged materials relate to Smith's experiences in graduate school, particularly his research projects; his duties as MHS museum curator; and his continuing interest in Minnesota archaeological projects, especially those at Grand Portage. Included are letters, clippings, research notes, and photographs. There is also an extended run of letters from his friend and colleague, Ralph D. Brown, and frequent correspondence with fellow stereograph collectors and dealers.
The Brown letters (1930-1970) include comments on colleagues, mutual friends and family, excavation methods, and artifacts. They relate Brown's experiences during excavations in Africa (1930), Arizona (1931), and Illinois (1935); his genealogical research (1934); and his work at Grand Portage and Fort Ridgely (1936-1937), with the Kentucky State Archaeological Survey (1938-1941), and with the Kentucky Public Records Project (1941-1942). He also describes his U.S. Army career, including engineering school and service in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and occupied Japan (1942-1946). Postwar topics include unemployment (1949-1950), engineering work in South Carolina (1951), and his appointment as Missouri Basin Project chief (1952). There are also scattered letters (1938-1970) from his parents, C. W. and Jessie Brown, and his sister Jean Brown English.
The 1930-1939 segment consists mainly of letters documenting three of Smith's research projects: The papers of G. W. Featherstonhaugh, William W. Mather, and Martin Scott, all early visitors to Minnesota; the location of the Foxhall Mandible, last displayed in 1867 (1932-1934), 1938, 1943); and Count Paolo Andreani's 1790-1791 visit to the Lake Superior area (1934-1938). The main correspondents are George W. Featherstonhaugh, Emma Richey, Scientific American associate editor Albert G. Ingalls, John Pim Carter, and Grace Lee Nute. There are also clippings covering a University of Minnesota excavation at Mimbres Valley (New Mexico, 1931) and genealogical correspondence (1932).
Materials from 1940-1950 include Smith's informal proposal for archaeological and historical work at Fort Snelling (1941) and materials covering his appointments as the Minnesota Art Project's museum unit supervisor (1942) and MHS museum curator (1946). The latter include correspondence, clippings, and research notes focusing on his research into an unsigned Washington portrait in the MHS collections (1946) and into the history of Minnesota pottery (1946-1948), documenting excavation work at the Alexander Faribault house (1948), and his research into early Minnesota photographers (1950).
Materials from 1951-1959 document his research into early Minnesota photographers (1950-1951, 1956), the Nathan Sturgis Jones collection of plains artifacts (1956), and the location of James Kipp's 1820s Missouri River fur trading post (1956-1958). Also Smith's proposal to do a complete report on the 1936-1938 Grand Portage excavations and correspondence with Kenneth Kidd (Toronto) about Kidd's excavation at the site (1955), materials detailing Smith's MHS consultancy regarding its role in the restoration of Fort Snelling (1956-1957), and papers pertaining to the creation of Frontenac State Park (1954-1957).
Later materials largely pertain to Grand Portage, including a memorandum about previous excavations (1960), correspondence with Paul L. Beaubien (NPS) and Eldon Johnson (University of Minnesota) concerning Johnson's current excavations (1961), and Smith's comments on Alan Woolworth's (MHS) analysis of the 1936-1937 excavations (1965). Also materials documenting the National Geographic Society's excavation of a supposed Newfoundland (Canada) Viking site and Smith's speculation about its authenticity (1963-1965), and personal letters from NPS historical architect Lee Nelson (1965-1971). A few 1963 letters concern his research for a popular talk on Nebraska historic buildings.
Documents long distance relationship between Adaline Clark and G. Hubert Smith.
Sent to G. Hubert Smith by Adaline.
Arranged chronologically, Smith's literary works cover such diverse topics as archaeology, photography, Indians of Minnesota and the Missouri Valley, and history. There are both manuscripts and published materials and, for some, Smith's research notes. The 7 folders include papers about the use of census records for historical research (undated); Jonathan Carver's 1766 discovery of fortification ruins near Lake Pepin (1935); Count Andreani's 1790-1791 visit to Lake Superior (1938); early Minnesota woolen mills (circa 1946), potteries (1946), and photographers (circa1950); pictures and history (1949); and the interpretative values of archaeological evidence (1959).
From 1936 until 1938 the NPS, in cooperation with the Minnesota Division of State Parks and MHS, conducted excavation and restoration projects at Fort Ridgely. Under Smith's direction eight buildings were uncovered and the stone commissary was restored.
Smith's weekly reports, with details of uncovered artifacts, and ongoing photographic record, and vandalism at the site (1936); letters focusing on his historical research (1938-1939, 1946); and a copy of an 1866 pencil drawing of the fort (1968).
Coverage of the excavations, including photographs and site plans
(1936-1937), articles (1938-1939), and Smith's manuscript,
Preliminary report on the excavation of the barracks and smaller buildings. There are also 111 (Nos. 1-111) mounted and captioned photographs, which document the project from preliminary inspection through reconstruction.
Architectural drawings, prepared for the National Park Service and Minnesota Department of Conservation, Division of State Parks, showing excavation and restoration of Ridgely's barracks, commissary, and other historic structures, and details of the museum display cases (located in the commissary).
Preliminary catalogs of cultural debris (1936-1937), revised archaeological reports (1936-1938), and a historical narrative (1938).
Includes 95 (Nos. 112-206) mounted and captioned snapshots, which continue the series found in Volume 8, and 20 photographs (Plates I-XX) of cultural debris (artifacts). Also photographs of the Birch Coulee and Fort Ridgely monuments, Ridgely's powder magazine and reconstructed commissary, Smith, and the fort in 1862-1863 (copy).
Includes an 1880 photograph of the fort (copy), the site's general development plan (1937) and archaeological report (1939), a press release describing the NPS acquisition of the site (1939), and clippings covering the 1941 excavation (1941-1942).
Focuses on Smith's project to determine the authenticity of the location of the Sanish (North Dakota) Vérendrye National Monument. Between 1738 and 1743, the LaVérendryes, a family of Canadian fur traders, conducted several explorations from Fort LaReine (Winnipeg) to the upper Missouri River area.
Letters regarding Smith's appointment (1949-1950), his contract, pay vouchers, and monthly reports (1950), and materials documenting his research, including letters with A. P. Nasatir (1950-1951). Also letters between Smith and the NPS concerning their disestablishment of the monument over Smith's objections (1955-1956) and Smith's requests for LaVérendrye information (1958-1968).
Mainly Smith's undated research notes, including journal entries of his July 1950-January 1951 research activities (55 pages). Also photographs of the LaVérendrye plate, a lead tablet found in South Dakota bearing the die-stamped claims of Louis XV and a handwritten inscription by the LeVérendrye expedition (most likely 1742-1743) members, and photostats of two maps used in Smith's report.
Volume 1, inscribed "author's copy," contains handwritten comments and photographs of the two maps, the LaVérendrye plate, and the Vérendrye monument site. Volume 2 bears the annotation "not proofed by Smith" and contains only the map illustrations.
Materials originating from Smith's MBP field projects. Included are memoranda, weekly reports, daily field journal entries, annual reports, trip notes, and season progress reports, though each may not be present for every project. The majority of the field projects are further described in the following paragraphs.
Time line of MBP area historic sites from 1790 through 1900 (1957) and two MBP maps of all historic sites in the area prior to 1850 (1961-1962).
Ink-on-linen drawing depicting Smith's excavations at Fort George (Stanley County, South Dakota) sometime during the 1960s.
A map showing a preliminary study for possible development of a marina state park at Lake Pepin.
News release, clipping, and Smith's 1954 article detailing the 1951 excavation.
Clippings and two articles by Smith covering the 1952-1954 excavations.
Mainly pertaining to Smith's research into the history of both the fort and its artifacts, particularly two silver gorgets. Includes correspondence with the Smithsonian's John C. Ewers concerning hair pipes (1953) and with both SHSND superintendent Russell Reid and Richard P. Wheeler, NPS archaeology and historical preservation publications editor, regarding Smith's comprehensive report about the site's excavations (1959-1962, 1967-1971).
Mainly Smith's undated research notes, including memorandum about authors, photographers, and others associated with the fort (arranged alphabetically by surname). Also materials relating to the area's Arikara Indians.
Both volumes include handwritten comments and the annotations: "Revised November-December; June 1966; and extensively revised by Wheeler & Smith, 1966-1967" and "author's copy."
In October 1953 Smith conducted an excavation at the site of the "1688 Rock." Discovered near Grand Portage in 1952, the rock bears the inscriptions "George Naganib" (the spelling of the surname is disputed) and "1688."
The folder includes letters with the excavation's sponsor, Frank B. Hubachek, committee member Sigurd F. Olson, and MHS's Grace Lee Nute (1951-1955), as well as the Grand Portage Ojibwe tribe's resolution allowing the excavation and Smith's report on not locating any additional physical evidence at the site (October 1953). Also materials relating to Canadian excavations (1951), the Grand Portage National Historic Site dedication (1951), and another research project conducted for MHS involving the study of the United States/Canada boundary surveys (1953-1954).
Excavation report and photographs (November 1953), notes given to Nute (1953), Smith's field journal (October 18-November 4, 1953), and notes from his United States/Canada boundary surveys study (1953-1954).
Maps showing the excavation work done on Forth Charlotte (1922, by E. Dewey Albinson) and on the Grand Portage stockade (1937, by Ralph D. Brown). Also three maps of the entire Grand Portage area excavation, one hand-drawn by Paul L. Beaubien (1961) and two labeled "Map 1" and "Map 2" (1965 and 1961, respectively).
Smith's report was used for an Indian claims suit in which the Omahas claimed underpayment for their lands in northeastern Nebraska under the treaties of 1854 and 1865.
The folder includes Smith's research notes, handwritten drafts for the report, and a list of his specific complaints over his treatment by the Justice Department (September).
The court stenographer's record of Smith and J. L. Champe's testimony. Also the Justice Department's proposal for the report (1955) and clippings covering the Omahas' victory in the suit (1960-1964).
During 1956 Smith conducted an excavation at the site of Fort Pierre II, built around 1859; includes his research notes and letters concerning his use of several Carl Wimar sketches done in the area in 1859 (1956-1957, 1966). Also clippings detailing the MBP's race against the Oahe Reservoir, especially Smith's work to pinpoint historic sites in the area (1956).
Article documenting Smith's 1958 excavation work at the fort.
During 1959 Smith worked with chief archaeologist Harold Huscher at the Noanoke Village (February-May) and Apalachicola Fort (May-June) sites. Includes a news release and clippings covering 1959 and 1966 excavations (the latter conducted by Huscher), letters focusing on the need to properly document the sites (1959-1960), and a report on the work at the fort (1959).
Smith spent the seasons of 1957, 1960, 1962, and 1963 conducting
excavations at the four Big Bend historic sites: Forts George and
Defiance, Regis Loisel's trading post, and the Red Cloud Agency. These
materials center mainly on work done at Loisel's trading post and Fort
George. Include letters focusing on the many attempts to locate the 1802
post on Dorian Island (1961-1963), Smith's research notes (1961), a
hand-drawn map of the post's possible site (1963), and an article about
the 1961 excavations, during which no physical evidence of the post was
uncovered (September 1963). There are also letters and a clipping
covering the 1961 excavation of Fort George (1961-1962) and two reviews
of Smith's book
Contains Smith's "Notes on Selected Specimens from [the 1960 excavation of] Ft. Sully II" and a copy of an 1864 drawing of Fort Sully I. Fort Sully I existed from 1864 through 1867; Fort Sully II from circa 1867 to 1894.
Smith conducted excavations at this site in 1965 and 1966.
Letters researching a 1938 excavation done by Columbia University (1965) and commenting on the inability to locate the grave of Sacagawea, Shoshone Indian guide for Lewis and Clark, purported to be on the site (1966). Also photographs and Smith's final field report from the 1965 excavation.
Smith's undated research notes and two short articles covering each season's field work.
Two undated drafts of Smith's
Smith produced numerous papers and articles during his tenure with the MBP, discussing such topics as early buildings and historic sites in the MBP region and archaeological salvage and research on those sites. This section contains not only the works themselves, but also correspondence and research notes pertaining to them.
Mainly letters focusing on Smith's research into frontier building methods and materials and into specific types of buildings (1952, 1960-1961, 1964-1966) and his search for early photographs and drawings done in the area (1957-1961). Also details of his consultation work in the reconstruction of an 1863-1864 log building in Lincoln (1964-1965). The major correspondents are NPS archaeologist Charles E. Peterson and the Smithsonian's John C. Ewers.
Undated research notes and partial drafts.
Smith wrote
Smith's research files; they consist of handwritten and typed 4 x 6 inch note cards.
Documentation for Smith's 1950 NPS report on the LaVérendryes. Contains sections on: guides, biography, the works of Nancy Maria Miller Surrey, primary [sources]: 17th, 18th, and 19th century, secondary [sources], miscellaneous, maps: general and chronological, and Nicollet.
Research cards covering a wide variety of subjects. Sections focusing on historic sites and buildings include articles, battlefields, marine salvage, fortifications, fur trade buildings, United States and Canadian forts, architecture in the colonial United States and the West, and 14 geographic subdivisions of the United States. Those dealing with arts and crafts include Minnesota pottery and brick, woolens, metals, tobacco pipes, and crockery and glass.
There are also sections on immigration and naturalization, American photography, Smith's 1953 United States/Canada boundary surveys study, cats in the west, fur trade, and American manufacturing.