Morse: Buffalo jump historic sign a 'done deal'

With parties in agreement, it looks like a new historic site sign pointing the way to a Havre archaeological site should be in place by next spring, the chair of the local museum funding foundation said Monday.

"I think it's a done deal, " Chair Elaine Morse told the board of the H. Earl Clack Memorial Museum during its monthly meeting.

The museum funding foundation has requested the Montana Department of Transportation erect the sign for the Wahkpa Chu'gn bison kill archaeological site on Boot Hill Plaza halfway up the Holiday Village Hill, by a brick mural promoting the site, which is located on the bluff behind the mall.

Morse said she met with the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee and was told that the committee does not oppose that location and would support whatever decision the Montana Department of Transportation makes on the sign's location.

Mick Johnson, administrator of MDT's Great Falls District, said this morning that as long as the local officials support the site, and an agreement can be reached with the property owner guaranteeing access, there is no problem with the Boot Hill location.

"If the city and county are fine with it, and if the historical people are fine with it, we are fine with it, " Johnson said.

Morse said the Havre City Council and the Hill County Commission already have sent letters supporting the Boot Hill location.

She said that, in talking with local representatives of MDT, it appears that the sign may not go up until next spring. It is at the Havre MDT offices, but likely will not be erected until work is completed on the parking lot.

The sign will be placed in conjunction with the mural, made by Canadian artist Jim Marshall, and a park planned near the mural will include directions to the bison kill site, lamps, tables and benches.