Historic documentation indicates that a Native American cemetery associated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan was located at the Battle Point site in the mid-19th century. An abstract of land title dated to 1846 identifies an association between members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan and the plot on which the cemetery is located. The cemetery is specifically mentioned in a 1864 land transaction as associated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan. On the basis of historical and oral historical information, the Battle Point site cemetery is determined to be culturally affiliated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan.
A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by Grand Valley State University professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan.
In 1971-1972, human remains representing a minimum of 17 individuals were removed from individual burials during excavations at the Battle Point site (20OT4), Crockery Township, Ottawa County, MI, by Grand Valley State University staff Dr Richard Flanders. Human remains representing a minimum of an additional nine individuals were removed from disturbed contexts in the same area of the site. No known individuals were identified. The 8,413 associated funerary objects include iron buckets; clay pipes; glass beads; and silver ornaments including gorgets, tinklers, and brooches. The catalog numbers for these associated funerary objects are 2016, 2025, 2026, 2028-2030, 2056-2063, and 2079-2082.
Between 1980 and 1990, human remains representing a minimum of nine individuals were removed from the Battle Point site by Grand Valley State University staff. These remains were exposed through erosion of the Battle Point site by the Grand River. No known individuals were identified. The 60 associated funerary objects include silver ornaments, strike-a-lights, bucket fragments, a knife blade, pieces of wood, and fabric. The catalog number for these associated funerary objects is 9010.
Between 1990 and 1998, human remains representing a minimum of 15 individuals were removed from the Battle Point site by Grand Valley State University staff; Ottawa County, MI, Sheriff's Department staff; and the Office of the State Archaeologist of Michigan. The remains were exposed as a result of erosion of the site by the Grand River. The 149 associated funerary objects are a metal trade ax, wood, nails, and a bucket. The catalog numbers for these associated funerary objects are 20OT04 1992-1993, 20OT04 7.16.96, 20OT04 3.27.97, 20OT04 12.97.1-8, and 20OT04 9.24.98. - 16 April 16 2001, John Robbins, Assistant Director, Cultural Resources Stewardship and Partnerships