Crews Discover Graves While Working On Oklahoma Road

Officials with the Cherokee Nation say dozens of grave sites were discovered by crews preparing for a road project near Oklahoma Highway 100.

Cherokee Nation Roads Department Director Michael Lynn says crews were working in eastern Cherokee County when they discovered two unmarked stones. Lynn tells the Tahlequah Daily Press that the stones were not disturbed and no dirt has been turned on the project.

Lynn says crews used ground-penetrating radar last week and identified 61 potential grave sites in the same area. He says officials don't yet know whether they are Cherokee, community or animal burial sites.

Lynn says an archaeologist is coordinating with the tribe. He says the Cherokee Nation will continue its work on the Tenkiller School Road Project but that the area won't be disturbed.