Emily Warner, right, with the USA Center for Archaeological Studies, and Thomas Grace, with Wiregrass Archaeological Consulting, bisect a feature in the soil at a site that is along the route for a proposed Mobile Bay bridge.

Center for Archaeological Studies

The Center for Archaeological Studies conducts archaeological research, teaching, and public service in the north-central Gulf Coast region. The Center promotes the archaeological study and appreciation of the region's prehistoric and historic past; disseminates to the public information about the region's archaeology; and preserves archaeological evidence of the region's past for future study, use, and enjoyment. The Center involves students in research projects, providing hands-on experience in archaeology.

The Center's archaeologists have carried out over 1,000 survey and excavation projects during the last thirty years. Ground-breaking research at sites like Old Mobile and Port Dauphin has revealed much about Alabama's earliest colonial history. The rapid pace of modern development has also led us to sites like Bottle Creek, the Exploreum, and Dog River Bridge, where Indigenous People, French, British, Spanish, and Early American settlers left their marks on the landscape.


 

  Latest News and Research
The Archaeologist
The Archaeologist's Toolkit: Lab Processing
Tuesday - March 14, 2023
Many people imagine archaeologists spend a majority of their time out in the field. However, you might be surprised to find out that we actually spend more time in the lab.
Read more
Archaeology in Action: The Virginia Street Site (Part III)
Archaeology in Action: The Virginia Street Site (Part III)
Thursday - February 2, 2023
The Virginia Street Site is located south of downtown Mobile on Virginia and South Franklin streets and has a history spanning 2,000 years.
Read more
The Archaeologist
The Archaeologist's Toolkit: What is an Excavation?
Tuesday - January 24, 2023
The most popularized aspect of archaeology is the process of excavation. According to Hollywood, it is during excavation when archaeologists break out their shovels and trowels to recover buried treasure from the ground.
Read more