The Mashantucket Pequot Reservation Archaeological District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, in recognition of the national significance of the cultural resources on the Reservation that reflect 11,000 years of continuous occupation by the Pequots and their ancestors.

Pursuant to the legal, regulatory, and trust responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Tribal Historic Preservation Office of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation ensures that archaeological surveys are conducted before any undertaking on the Reservation.

The latest field season was dedicated to surveying a property that was owned originally by John Winthrop, Jr. and his descendants from 1640-1750. Site 72-277, a Middle to Terminal Archaic Campsite, was identified in a Phase I survey in November 2007. One chert flake find led to a Phase II survey in July 2008. Forty-seven test pits were excavated and 17 more chert flakes were recovered along with four quartzite and three quartz flakes.

A Phase III excavation immediately followed in August 2008. The site is about 30 x 30 meters. Two diagnostics were found: a rhyolite Orient Fishtail and a Stark projectile point. Six features were identified and excavated. Excavation at the site was halted for the winter and will resume in spring 2009.