Archaeological excavation at the historic site of
Robidoux Row was conducted by Michael Fisher during the 1970s ahead of the stabilization and
restoration of the building into a local museum. The brick building was built by
Joseph Robidoux I, founder of St. Joseph. Robidoux had constructed a trading post along the
Missouri River and operated a ferry across the river by 1826 (Shoemaker, Missouri and
Missourians vol. 1, 1943, page 584). Robidoux's trading post
was origingally known as "Blacksnake Hills" and established in the 1810s (Houck, A History
of Missouri vol. 2, 1908).
Michael Fisher (far right), Margaret Fisher (middle) and
Bob Bray (far left) examine the stratigraphic profile. All images at the website are digitized slides
in the collection of Michael Fisher.
The brick buildings before excavation.
Excavation in progress during 1970s.
Rock lined mouth of cistern that served the houses.
Soil sediment and artifacts from the cistern were kept separate in
one foot increments.
Examples of artifacts (glass, gun flints, china)
from the Roubidoux Row cistern from a depth of 3.5 to 4.5 ft.
Examples of artifacts (glass, gun flints, china)
from the Roubidoux Row excavations.
Examples of artifacts (glass, gun flints, china)
from the Roubidoux Row cistern excavation.
Corroded andiron that was used in the fireplace;
from the Roubidoux Row privy excavation.
Brickwork uncovered by excavation at Roubidoux Row.
Restored Roubidoux Row using both architectural and
archaeological evidence.