Using modern technology, a group of geological science and engineering researchers from S&T helped a Phelps County cemetery locate old grave sites dating back before the Civil War.

“Corn Creek Cemetery has graves dating back to the 1830s, and many graves are marked by only a simple natural stone, if that,” says Neil Anderson, professor of geological sciences and engineering.

Using ground-penetrating radar technology, the researchers found six locations where there are likely grave sites with no identifying grave stones.

Evgeniy Torgashov, a graduate student in geological sciences and engineering, used the technology to differentiate potential grave sites from things like buried rocks, roots and other ground disturbances.

The cemetery association plans to mark the six locations found with natural stones out of respect for the buried remains and to help ensure that the final resting places remain undisturbed.