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Foreword The genesis of Peabody's association with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale's Center for Archaeological Investigations took place in 1967 with the Black Mesa Archaeological Project in northeastern Arizona . This was one ofour first, and probably most comprehensive, experiences with contract archaeologystudies that were mandated by legislation in the late r96os and early 1970s. Whenever archaeological remains might be endangered by earth-moving activity such as mining, a thorough investigation must be made and detailed reports filed with government agencies before the activity can begin. We proceeded cautiously at first because these new requirements represented significant costs. The archaeological community had to be involved in our mining plans for the first time, and we needed to develop procedures to fulfill the new regulations. As we experimented, we eventually achieved a mutual understanding and respect for one another, and Peabody's commitment to archaeological investigation was established. Our long-term and continuing relationship on the Black Mesa project caused us to turn again to the Center for Archaeological Investigations when a project in Saline County in southern Illinois-closer to home and practically in SIU's backyard-presented itself in 1977. Although we have had mines in the area for many years, it was not until the Will Scarlet Mine near Carrier Mills was expanding eastward that we were confronted with potentially significant prehistoric and historic sites and the requirements of the new laws. Initial inspections revealed archaelogical sites that were large, complex, and promising in terms of information and artifacts covering a ro,ooo-year period. And so another cooperative effort between Peabody and SID's Center for Archaeological Investigations was launched. As the research progressed, SIU archaeologists became aware of a strong public interest in what was found at the sites and in what could be learned about their former inhabitants. The reports compiled by archaeologists for this type of project conform to specific government regulations. They are extremely detailed and technical, which makes them valuable to scientists and scholars but often dry and unpalatable for the layman. Recognizing that their official reports might not be read by a curious public, SIU approached Peabody to request financial support in writing and publishing a popular book about the Carrier Mills project. The request came during r983 when Peabody Coal Company was observing its one-hundredth anniversary . Since Peabody was founded in Illinois, it seemed appropriate to underwrite this historical book as a Centennial project that could be shared with people throughout the state and particularly with our neighbors in communities where we have operations. Despite our somewhat cautious entry into the archaeological milieu, we look back with a great deal of pride on the results of our cooperative efforts with SIU archaeologists and hope that this work will generate an even greater enthusiasm for the study and support of archaeology. Robert H. Quenon President and Chief Executive Officer Peabody Holding Company, Inc. xi ...

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