Selected Abstracts From CRA Reports

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

 

PHASE II NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE 15MS109 IN MASON COUNTY, KENTUCKY (ITEM NO. 9-124.00)

Author: Jonathan P. Kerr and Todd D. McCurdy

Date: October 13, 2005

Abstract: Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., personnel completed the field research for the National Register evaluation of site 15Ms109. The evaluation was conducted for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet of Environmental Analysis under Statewide Archaeological Services agreement M-04237412, Letter Agreement No. 18-DBD.

The site occupies approximately 0.96 ha (2.4 acres) within the recommended Alternate B for US 68 in Mason County, Kentucky. The scope originally called for a controlled surface collection of the site after it was plowed, disked, and rained on followed by unit excavation and plow zone stripping. Because of unpredictable rainfall, close interval 5-m (16.4-ft) shovel testing was recommended and employed in place of the controlled surface collection with the permission of Daniel Davis of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Environmental Analysis.

Beginning August 15, 2005, and continuing through August 23, 2005, 182 shovel tests were excavated, eight 1-x-1-m (3.28-x-3.28-ft) test units were excavated, and 500 sq m (5381.95 sq ft) was mechanically stripped at site 15Ms109. A total of 302 prehistoric lithics, six modified implements, 11 prehistoric ceramics, and 11 historic artifacts were recovered.

Phase II investigation of site 15Ms109 displayed that the site consisted of disturbed near-surface archaeological deposits with no intact, subsurface cultural deposits or features. For this reason, 15Ms109 is considered not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and no additional archaeological work is recommended.

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PHASE III ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT THE HAYES SITE (15Cl67), CARROLL COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Christopher T. Hall, RPA
With contributions by Jessica L. Allgood, RPA; Renée M. Bonzani; Alexandra D. Bybee, RPA; Linda Scott Cummings; Jonathan P. Kerr, RPA; and Andrew V. Martin, RPA

Date: May 31, 2005

Abstract: Between March 8 and 22, 2004, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI), personnel conducted phase III data recovery excavations at the Hayes site (15Cl67) in Carroll County, Kentucky, to mitigate adverse affects of the installation of a force main sewer line associated with the proposed Carrollton Wastewater Treatment Plant. Mr. Terry A. Roach requested this work on behalf of Carrollton Utilities to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This project is federally funded and falls under the responsibility of the State Environmental Protection Agency (Permit Number KY0020265) and is administered by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Department for Environmental Protection.

Phase III excavations consisted of work in two different areas (Localities A and B). Work at Locality A consisted of the hand excavation of eight 1-x-1-m units and the mechanical stripping of a 3-x-10-m block, and excavations at Locality B consisted of ten 1-x-1-m units. Four cultural horizons were documented during these investigations: a Woodland occupation of indeterminate age (at Locality A), a Terminal Late Archaic component (at Locality A), a Late Archaic occupation (at Locality A), and a late Middle Woodland component (at Locality B).

Little can be said about the indeterminate Woodland component at Locality A because of the small sample recovered. The Terminal Archaic occupation at Locality A dated to cal B.C. 790–400 and the recovery of Merom Cluster hafted bifaces place it within the Maple Creek phase. Six cultural features, chipped stone production debris, and a few stone tools were also recovered. This occupation represents one of the few known Maple Creek short-term camps in the region. The Late Archaic component was represented by five cultural features found in the strip block at Locality A. This component dates to cal B.C. 1670 and might represent another Maple Creek occupation. Because all cultural material associated with these Late Archaic features was removed during stripping, little can be said about site function or occupation duration. The late Middle Woodland occupation at Locality B was represented by a 50-cm thick sheet midden and a secondary juvenile human burial that dated to cal A.D. 230 and was associated with Lowe Cluster hafted bifaces and Falls Plains ceramics. The frequency and diversity of artifact classes recovered from this component indicate that it represents a long-term residential occupation.

The Hayes site is a very important site for understanding Late Archaic and Middle Woodland lifeways in Northern Kentucky. The current project was confined to a very narrow corridor that encompassed only a small portion of the site. If future construction activities occur on this landform, more archaeological work should be conducted and should not be confined to the originally defined site boundaries, because geomorphic analysis indicates that the whole landform holds the potential for additional buried archaeological deposits.

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PHASE III ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT THE ELK FORK SITE (15MO140), MORGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Richard L. Herndon, RPA

Date: April 26, 2005

Abstract: The Elk Fork site (15Mo140) excavations were conducted by Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. personnel at the request of Dean Duncan of MACTEC for a proposed realignment and bridge replacement project of Kentucky Route 7 over the waters of Elk Fork in Morgan County, Kentucky. Funds to conduct these archaeological investigations were provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Mitigation at the site was conducted from May 5, 2003 to September 5, 2003 and led to the identification of two major occupation periods on the T1 and a very ephemeral occupation on the T2. Investigations consisted of mechanical stripping, hand excavations of individual units and blocks, and excavation of discovered features and post molds. On the T1, the oldest occupation dates to the Late Archaic Maple Creek phase (circa 2000 to 800 B.C.) and consisted of at least 5 single-set post structures and 26 features. The majority of the features were either pit hearths or rock concentrations and were located predominately along the river bank. The structures appear to have been spatially separated from these activity areas since their locations were further away from the river than the features. Habitation of the site during this time, based on radiocarbon dates and vertical provenience, appears to consist of at least three separate, chronologically distinct occupation events. Archaeobotanical results indicate these occupations occurred mainly during the Fall and Winter and consisted almost entirely of nutshell fragments.

The more recent component on the T1 straddles the time span between the Late Woodland and early Fort Ancient periods (A.D. 1000 to 1200). One structure and 56 features (mostly pit hearths, but a few rock concentrations and storage pits) dating to this component were identified and excavated. Given the lack of superimposed features, very tight radiocarbon dates, and the results of the archaeobotanical analysis, it appears this component represents a single, fairly short-term occupation that mainly occurred in the Fall or Winter. Radiocarbon dates (A.D. 1050 to 1270) and Type 2 triangular points indicate an early Fort Ancient affiliation, and the presence of cord marked jars with few decorations is more reflective of Late Woodland assemblages. In fact the extremely low counts of maize and shell tempered pottery, along with the complete lack of handles and appendages, all seem to point out the Late Woodland character of the material from Elk Fork. Based on comparable early Fort Ancient sites in the region like Thompson, 15Jo75, Dry Run, and Muir the mixed nature of the Elk Fork assemblage is not unexpected and, indeed, is consistent with these other known sites.

The T2 produced an ephemeral Early Woodland occupation consisting of just three features: two roasting pits and a shallow sheet midden. Archaeological material accidentally uncovered on the T3, which was outside our scope of work, relate to the Early Archaic and included several Kirk Cluster and Bifurcate Cluster bifaces and a low density of flake debris.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL PHASE III DATA RECOVERY FOR THE ROS-207-0.00 STATE ROUTE 207/U.S. 23 CONNECTOR (PID 18492) MCCAFFERTY RUN SITE (33RO919), UNION TOWNSHIP, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO

Author: By Jonathan P. Kerr, RPA, and Flora J. Church
With contributions by Jessica Allgood, RPA; C. Michael Anslinger, RPA; Fred Banschbach; R. Berle Clay, RPA; Annette Ericksen, RPA; Raymond Ezell, RPA; and Vera E. Morgan, RPA

Date: March 17, 2005

Abstract: The McCafferty Run site (33Ro919) was excavated by Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., personnel in response to the proposed State Route 207 improvement project (ROS-207-0.00; PID 18492). Located in the Scioto River valley in Union Township, Ross County, Ohio, the site contained plow zone artifacts, and pit features and post molds extending below the plow zone associated with two primary components: late Middle/early Late Woodland (LM/ELW) and late Late Woodland/early Late Prehistoric (LLW/ELP). Evidence of earlier and later occupations, in terms of hafted biface forms, while present was scant. Per the data recovery plan the Phase III investigations sampled sub–plow zone deposits within the right-of-way for both primary components.

The LM/ELW component in the northern portion of the site was sampled by stripping the plow zone from a 38,840 sq ft (3,608 sq m) area. Before this was completed, however, a geophysical survey of the southern two-thirds of this area was conducted. The LLW/ELP component located in a small area at the southern end of the site was sampled by stripping the plow zone from an area 9,429 sq ft (876 sq m) in size. A small area was also hand excavated within this area, including sixteen 6.6 by 6.6 ft (2 by 2 m) units and one 3.3 by 3.3 ft (1 by 1 m) unit, to sample a thin intact cultural deposit consisting of both sheet midden and features.

The LM/ELW component consisted of 126 post molds variably filled with charred plant remains, rock, and cultural materials. Most were in one concentrated area of the site. Several very tentative house patterns were interpreted from the data. One possible oval, one possible partial oval, and one possible arc were defined. The 56 pit features contained a variety of cultural remains (e.g., ceramics, lithics, faunal remains, macrofloral remains, and rough rock) that were the result of intentional disposal by the prehistoric inhabitants of the site or fortuitous inclusion. Refuse pits, shallow ephemeral basins, thermal or thermally-related pits, and storage pits were the primary types. The features exhibited some discernable spatial patterning. Radiocarbon dates ranging from cal A.D. 410 to 630 were obtained. The LM/ELW component appeared to consist of potential individual structures in distinct areas of the site, with food storage and processing activities directly associated with them. Adjacent to these areas were clusters of pits and few or no post molds. These pit clusters may have represented processing/refuse dumps. The profusion of post molds encountered could be evidence of more than one contemporaneous structure or, more likely given the range of radiocarbon dates, sequential structures. The profusion of faunal material associated with these features and with the isolated Feature 409 at the southern end of Block 2 suggests that faunal remains, at least, were being deposited away from the structure zone.

The LLW/ELP component was sparser. Four pit hearths, one possible processing/refuse pit, and one refuse pit were documented. These and the sheet midden produced a moderate amount of lithic debris, modified implements, ceramics, faunal remains, macrofloral remains, and rough rock. As currently understood the site may be an extractive site or a small habitation. A radiocarbon date of cal A.D. 1260 was documented.

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GEOARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING WITHIN THE PROPOSED U.S. 61 CORRIDOR NORTH OF CANTON IN LEWIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

Author: Andrew Bradbury and Andrew Martin

Date: 3/11/2005

Abstract: Between November 2 and December 21, 2004 personnel from Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. performed additional geoarchaeological survey and archaeological testing along the utility corridor associated with the proposed Route 61 (Avenue of Saints) construction in Lewis County, Missouri. This work was performed by Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. under contract to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Through an integrated geoarchaeological program employing coring, trenching, and hand-excavated test pits, additional data was collected at 16 previously recorded archaeological sites, and one recently recorded site, within the proposed project corridor. Four archaeological sites (23Le45, 23Le170, 23Le320, and 23Le371) are determined not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and no further work is recommended.

Thirteen of these sites are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and nine of the National Register eligible sites (23Le41, 23Le174, 23Le178/357, 23Le327, 23Le342, 23Le346, 23Le348, 23Le365, and 23Le369) will be impacted by proposed construction activities. Recommendations for archaeological mitigation are provided for each of the affected sites depending upon extent of project impacts and research goals. The remaining four National Register eligible sites (23Le44/319, 23Le366, 23Le367, and 23Le378) are within areas that will be filled and will not be affected by construction activities. No further archaeological work is recommended for these four sites.

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PHASE II NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF 15TR289 FOR THE KY 272 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN TRIGG COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 1-1131.00)

Author: Andrew V. Martin, RPA

Date: December 13, 2004

Abstract: Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI), personnel completed the field research for the National Register evaluation of site 15Tr289. The evaluation was conducted for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Environmental Analysis under Statewide Archaeological Services Agreement M-03144939, Letter Agreement No. 5-CS. The site occupies approximately .81 ha. (8135 m2, 2 acres) within the proposed right-of-way (ROW) for the KY 272 bridge replacement project over the Little River.

Between June 17 and 27, 2003, 173 5 x 5 m grid cells were surface collected, nine 1 x 1 m units were excavated, seven 10 x 1 m trenches were excavated, six bucket augers were excavated, 250 m2 were mechanically stripped, and seven possible features were excavated on the T1 terrace (Locality 1) at site 15Tr289. A total of 3,288 lithics, 193 historic artifacts, and 5 faunal remains was recovered from the investigation of Locality 1. The majority of the prehistoric and all of the historic material is from surface/plow zone or disturbed deposits at the locality.

Diagnostic material from Locality 1 included two Late Archaic stemmed hafted bifaces and one Kirk cluster hafted biface. This diagnostic archaeological material, found mixed within the surface soils of the terrace, suggests that the landform stabilized by at least 6000 B.C. (Early Holocene). Bioturbation across the entire terrace has impacted site preservation. Furthermore, sand and gravel lenses associated with an old (likely pre-Holocene) fluvial channel, as well as old roadbed disturbances, were identified across this locality. Ultimately, the various factors involved with the natural and artificial formation processes at Locality 1 have affected the landform’s archaeological integrity. However, during the investigation of Locality 1, a transect of bucket augers was excavated across the flood basin and modern levee (T0 terrace) from the locality to the river as part of the site geomorphological analysis. A deeply buried sediment horizon containing prehistoric artifacts was discovered in one of these auger probes. The Division of Environmental Assessment (DEA) authorized the excavation of additional bucket augers, two backhoe trenches, and one 1 x 1 m excavation unit to explore the archaeological deposits found near the modern levee of the Little River referred to as Locality 2. These revealed deep, and relatively low-energy, alluvial soil horizons, along with a buried prehistoric occupation zone. As a result, additional phase II National Register assessment was recommended.

Between September 29 and October 3, 2003, CRAI personnel conducted additional field research at Locality 2 for the National Register evaluation of site 15Tr289. An additional 10 bucket auger probes, 3 trenches, and the equivalent of 10 35 cm deep 1 x 1 m excavation units were placed to explore the deposits at Locality 2. A cultural horizon was identified between 100 and 170 cm below ground surface (bgs). A total of 1,427 chert flakes, seven bifaces, two retouched flakes, one hafted scraper, one groundstone fragment, seven manuports, and one piece of fire-cracked rock (FCR) was recovered from Locality 2. Charcoal was found throughout the buried cultural horizon as well. Most of the chert flakes and modified implements appear to be associated with least one activity area where late stage reduction and biface production were taking place. Based on the types of artifacts and the depth of the material recovered, it is suspected that the deposits at Locality 2 of 15Tr289 may be Early Archaic or earlier.

Artifacts recovered from the phase I and phase II investigations of Locality 1 provide information on the cultural history and utilization of this locality. However, this portion of the site does not meet the criteria for eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No further archaeological work is recommended for Locality 1 of site 15Tr289. Data derived from the buried, intact cultural deposits at Locality 2 can broadly provide a better understanding of the early Holocene cultural history of the region. Locality 2 is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criterion D. Avoidance or data recovery is recommended for Locality 2 of 15Tr289.

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PHASE II NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES 15HR36, 15HR38, 15HR42, 15HR43, AND 15HR14 WITHIN THE PROPOSED CYNTHIANA BYPASS IN HARRISON COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 6-119.01)

Author: by Jessica L. Allgood, RPA; Deborah L. Rotman, RPA; and Andrew P. Bradbury, RPA, with contributions by Renee M. Bonzani; R. Berle Clay, RPA; Grant L. Day, RPA; Jonathan P. Kerr, RPA; James T. Kirkwood, and C. Russell Stafford

Date: April 13, 2004

Abstract: Between June 21 and August 30, 2001, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI), personnel conducted a phase II National Register evaluation of archaeological sites 15Hr14, 15Hr36, 15Hr38, 15Hr42, and 15Hr43 in Harrison County, Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Environmental Assessment and the Kentucky Heritage Council determined that the sites were potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and directed that additional work be conducted. The phase II National Register evaluation of the sites consisted of controlled surface collection, geophysical survey using a fluxgrate magnetometer, hand excavation of test units, and testing of sub-plow zone deposits through stripping of the plow zone. In addition, deep testing of deposits in the floodplain below 15Hr14 was conducted between December 17 and 19, 2001. The deep testing was conducted to further investigate an area that had the potential to contain buried archaeological deposits. No such deposits were identified within the proposed project area.

As a result of the phase II testing, it was determined that sites 15Hr36, 15Hr38, 15Hr43, and 15Hr14 do not meet the criteria necessary for inclusion in the National Register; therefore, no further work is being recommended for these sites. The recommendation of no further work is based on the lack of intact sub-plow zone deposits and features and the multicomponent nature of the site. In addition, the phase II excavations have exhausted the research potential of these sites.

Site 15Hr42 contained both prehistoric and historic components. Temporal diagnostics representing the Middle Archaic, Early and Middle Woodland, and Late Prehistoric periods were recovered. This material was recovered from deposits that also yielded historic materials. The prehistoric component of the site has been disturbed by the historic occupation of the site. As a result, the prehistoric component of 15Hr42 lacks integrity and no further work is being recommended for this component at the site.

The historic component at 15Hr42 is a nineteenth-century residence that appears to have been occupied from circa 1835 to circa 1875. Joel Frazer Sr. owned the parcel from circa 1820 until his death in 1846. The house was constructed during his lifetime, circa 1835. Ownership of the property transferred to his son, Joel Frazer Jr., in 1846. He passed away in 1862 and his widow, Nancy, remained at the property until her own death in 1872, at which time ownership of the land went to individuals outside the family—to Nannie West in 1872, to John Lake in 1874, to the Lebus family in 1886, and then to the current landowners in 1992. The archival research also indicated that the property was very near to Camp Frazer, a Union Civil War encampment situated on the bluff north of the site. The camp attracted fugitive slaves and slave labor was employed to construct earthwork fortifications.

Archaeological research documented the presence of an intact foundation, a sheet midden, and several in situ features including a cellar with stratified fill, a trash pit, and two post holes. There is a high probability that there are other subsurface features at the site. Furthermore, a variety of pertinent research questions may be addressed through additional archaeological research at the site. As a result, the historic component at 15Hr42 is considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria D. Further archaeological work is recommended for this site if it cannot be avoided by construction activities.

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OLD BRANHAM: BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF A HISTORIC CEMETERY, FLOYD COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Alexandra D. Bybee, RPA

Date: October 27, 2004

Abstract: On August 7, 2003 and between September 2 and 26, 2003, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI) personnel completed a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluation of the historic Old Branham Cemetery (15Fd94) near the community of Harold, Floyd County, Kentucky. The investigation was conducted at the request of Ms. Lisa Townes of H. A. Spalding Engineers, Inc., on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) (Item Number 12-301.00). The cemetery was located along the steeply sloped edge of a ridge overlooking a valley and floodplain associated with Mud Creek, and was positioned within the right-of-way boundary for the proposed reconstruction of KY 979. The cemetery was identified and recorded during a phase I survey conducted by CRAI in 2002. At that time, Cornelius Carroll, the next-of-kin for most individuals interred in the cemetery, provided the field crew with a family history and other archival information. This history, in addition to a few inscribed grave markers, suggested the cemetery contained at least 22 interments dating from the first quarter of the nineteenth century through 1927.

The majority of interments were reported to be descendants of David Branham Sr., a Revolutionary War veteran of Irish ancestry who settled with his family along Mud Creek during the early nineteenth century. Only two inscribed grave markers were known to exist at the Old Branham Cemetery; these were inscribed with initials and dates of death of a grandson and great great granddaughter of David Branham Sr. In addition to the extended Branham family for which the majority of graves were attributed, at least two former African-American slaves, Andrew and Hettie Lackey, and one Euro-American man, James Stanford, were interred in the cemetery. The eligibility of the Old Branham Cemetery for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion D could not be assessed with the data recorded during the phase I survey. Further work, including archaeological excavation of the graves and more intensive archival research, was recommended if the cemetery could not be avoided. This recommendation was based on the fact that the cemetery was purportedly one of the oldest in Floyd County, and that it was one of the earliest integrated cemeteries in eastern Kentucky.

Archaeological investigation of the Old Branham Cemetery included the identification, excavation, and exhumation of 24 historic graves. Analysis of recovered cultural and mortuary materials suggest interments were made in the cemetery from the first quarter of the nineteenth century through ca 1900. Interment dates were based primarily on diagnostic grave markers, coffin hardware, buttons, and other clothing-related and personal items. Preservation of human remains was generally poor across the site, but fragmentary skeletal remains provided information on age and pathology for a few individuals. Dental elements were better preserved, and also provided information on age and pathology. The spatial organization and other mortuary aspects were characteristic of an upland south folk cemetery. Burials were aligned in three rows, one cluster, and several isolated interments, suggestive of a founding family flanked by later generations or later unrelated individuals. The cemetery population consisted of infants (N=11), children (N=4), and adults (N=9). The sex of only a few adults could be inferred from inscribed grave markers and clothing items; recovered skeletal remains provided no indications of sex. Racial affinity could not be assessed from the morphological characteristics of the recovered skeletal and dental remains. Pathological conditions noted for the population included skeletal osteomyelitis and dental calculus, caries, linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), and periodontitis.

CRAI considered the Old Branham Cemetery to be eligible for inclusion in the NRHP based on Criterion D. CRAI concluded that the cultural and mortuary materials recovered from the 24 graves provided indications of the mortuary habits of one of Floyd County’s earliest pioneer families. Demographically, the cemetery was comprised of the descendants of a Caucasian man known to be of Irish ancestry, but at least two former African-American slaves were also interred in the cemetery. No racial indicators were identified during a gross anatomical analysis of the skeletal and dental remains. Although only fragmentary skeletal and dental remains were recovered from 13 graves, it was thought likely that the material could provide further information about the population. Using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, it was proposed that small samples from each of the 13 graves in which human remains were recovered should be analyzed for racial affinity, which might have resulted in an identification of Euro-American versus African American interments. The proposed analysis would also have provided indications of sex and various pathological conditions for each individual tested. The proposed data recovery for the cemetery could also have included more intensive archival research focusing primarily on the African American Lackey family.

In a KYTC review letter dated June 21, 2004, it was stated that the KYTC, in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), had determined that the Old Branham Cemetery was not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. The KYTC and SHPO determination was based on “the absence of artifacts or archival information that would provide narrow dates of interment and thus define the age of the cemetery, the poor preservation or integrity of the interred remains, the absence of a demonstrable association with significant persons or events that have contributed to history, and thus, the limited potential for the site to address research questions.” The Old Branham Cemetery (15Fd94) is, therefore, considered not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.

Cultural resource clearance for the project is recommended. All of the human remains and associated artifacts that were located at the Old Branham Cemetery have been excavated, and no other remains are present at the former cemetery location. Upon completion of the archaeological analysis and determination by KYTC and SHPO that the cemetery was not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP, all human remains and associated mortuary items from the Old Branham Cemetery were entrusted to Mr. Lanny Damron, the KYTC District 12 Grave Relocation Agent, and funeral director Mr. Kevin Hall of Hall & Jones Funeral Home, LLC, for reinterment at the Davidson Memorial Garden Cemetery in Ivel, Floyd County, Kentucky. All human remains and associated mortuary items have subsequently been reinterred.

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PHASE II NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF SITES 15MM165, 15MM166, AND 15MM173 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Jason M. Anderson, RPA

Date: August 20, 2004

Abstract: Between April 5 and 20, 2004, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI) personnel completed a phase II National Register evaluation of sites 15Mm165, 15Mm166, and 15Mm173 in Montgomery County, Kentucky. The investigation was conducted at the request of Ms. Sandy Romensko, Executive Director of the Mt. Sterling-Montgomery County Industrial Authority. The study complied with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Sites 15Mm165, 15Mm166, and 15Mm173 were all open habitation without mounds located on gently sloping dissected upland ridges. All of these sites appear to have functioned as residential locus that were occupied at various times throughout prehistory. Site 15Mm165 dates from the Middle Archaic through Late Woodland or Late Prehistoric. Site 15Mm166 dates from the Early Archaic through Late Woodland or Late Prehistoric. Site 15Mm173 dates from the Early Archaic through Late Woodland or Late Prehistoric.

Phase II investigations, which included controlled surface collection and mechanical stripping of 500 to 550 sq meters of the plow zone per site, revealed that the integrity of the surface and near-surface remains at these sites has been severely compromised from plowing. Two features from 15Mm165 and one feature from 15Mm166 were discovered at the base of the plow zone. Because no diagnostic artifacts were recovered from these features, they could not be assigned to a specific time period. All of the features have been severely truncated by plowing to such an extent that their original functions can not be determined. The presence on subsoil on the surface of much of the site attests to the degree of modern agricultural related disturbance at these sites. Because of their lack of integrity, further investigation of sites 15Mm165, 15Mm166, and 15Mm173 beyond that completed at the phase II level would not provide significant new data on the prehistory of the region. Therefore, the portions of these sites within the project area are not eligible for the National Register and no further investigation is necessary.

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OLD BRANHAM (15Fd94): BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF AN HISTORIC CEMETERY, FLOYD COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 12-301.00)

Author: Alexandra D. Bybee, RPA

Date: March 26, 2004

Abstract: On August 7, 2003 and between September 2 and 26, 2003, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI) personnel completed a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluation of the historic Old Branham Cemetery (15Fd94) near the community of Harold, Floyd County, Kentucky. The investigation was conducted at the request of Ms. Lisa Townes of H. A. Spalding Engineers, Inc., on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) (Item Number 12-301.00). The cemetery was located along the steeply sloped edge of a ridge overlooking a valley and floodplain associated with Mud Creek, and was positioned within the right-of-way boundary for the proposed reconstruction of KY 979. The cemetery was identified and recorded during a phase I survey conducted by CRAI in 2002. At that time, Cornelius Carroll, the next-of-kin for most individuals interred in the cemetery, provided the field crew with a family history and other archival information. This history, in addition to a few inscribed grave markers, suggested the cemetery contained at least 22 interments dating from the first quarter of the nineteenth century through 1927.

The majority of interments were reported to be descendants of David Branham Sr., a Revolutionary War veteran of Irish ancestry who settled with his family along Mud Creek during the early nineteenth century. Only two inscribed grave markers were known to exist at the Old Branham Cemetery; these were inscribed with initials and dates of death of a grandson and great great granddaughter of David Branham Sr. In addition to the extended Branham family for which the majority of graves were attributed, at least two former African-American slaves, Andrew and Hettie Lackey, and one Euro-American man, James Stanford, were interred in the cemetery. The eligibility of the Old Branham Cemetery for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion D could not be assessed with the data recorded during the phase I survey. Further work, including archaeological excavation of the graves and more intensive archival research, was recommended if the cemetery could not be avoided. This recommendation was based on the fact that the cemetery was purportedly one of the oldest in Floyd County, and that it was one of the earliest integrated cemeteries in eastern Kentucky.

Archaeological investigation of the Old Branham Cemetery included the identification, excavation, and exhumation of 24 historic graves. Analysis of recovered cultural and mortuary materials suggest interments were made in the cemetery from the first quarter of the nineteenth century through ca 1900. Interment dates were based primarily on diagnostic grave markers, coffin hardware, buttons, and other clothing-related and personal items. Preservation of human remains was generally poor across the site, but fragmentary skeletal remains provided information on age and pathology for a few individuals. Dental elements were better preserved, and also provided information on age and pathology. The spatial organization and other mortuary aspects were characteristic of an upland south folk cemetery. Burials were aligned in three rows, one cluster, and several isolated interments, suggestive of a founding family flanked by later generations or later unrelated individuals. The cemetery population consisted of infants (N=11), children (N=4), and adults (N=9). The sex of only a few adults could be inferred from inscribed gravemarkers and clothing items; recovered skeletal remains provided no indications of sex. Racial affinity could not be assessed from the morphological characteristics of the recovered skeletal and dental remains. Pathological conditions noted for the population included skeletal osteomyelitis and dental calculus, caries, linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), and periodontitis.

The Old Branham Cemetery is considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP based on Criterion D. The cultural and mortuary materials recovered from the 24 graves provided indications of the mortuary habits of one of Floyd County’s earliest pioneer families. Demographically, the cemetery was comprised of the descendants of a Caucasian man known to be of Irish ancestry, but at least two former African-American slaves were also interred in the cemetery. No racial indicators were identified during a gross anatomical analysis of the skeletal and dental remains. Although only fragmentary skeletal and dental remains were recovered from 13 graves, the material could provide further information about the population. Using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing, small samples from each of the 13 graves in which human remains were recovered should be analyzed for racial affinity, which could result in an identification of Euro-American versus African-American interments. The analysis would also provide indications of sex and various pathological conditions for each individual tested. The data recovery for the cemetery should also include more intensive archival research focusing primarily on the African-American Lackey family.

Although the cemetery is considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP, cultural resource clearance for the project is recommended. The proposed work to be conducted at the data recovery level refers exclusively to materials that have already been recovered from the cemetery. All of the human remains and associated artifacts that were located at the Old Branham Cemetery have been excavated, and no other remains are present at the former cemetery location. Upon completion of the archaeological analysis and acceptance of the technical report by the KYTC and Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC), all human remains and associated mortuary items from the Old Branham Cemetery will be entrusted to the KYTC or a designated funeral home for reinterment at the Davidson Memorial Garden Cemetery in Ivel, Floyd County, Kentucky.

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PHASE II AND III ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT THE ARMSTRONG FARMSTEAD (15FA185) FAYETTE COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 7-163.00)

Author: Jennifer L. Barber

Date: December 10, 2003

Abstract: Between June 11 and June 21, 2001, and January 7 and February 15, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. personnel completed phase II and phase III investigations at archaeological site 15Fa185, the Armstrong Farmstead, along the proposed US 27/68 upgrade in Fayette County, Kentucky. These investigations were conducted at the request of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Previous archaeological testing had recorded the presence of a nineteenth and twentieth century domestic occupation.

During the investigations, site 15Fa185 was located along an undissected upland ridge and a small floodplain at an elevation ranging between 930 and 940 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The site was situated roughly 1.2 km (0.7 miles) northeast of the junction of US 27/68 and Muir Station Road, adjacent to the east side of US 27/68. The Fayette-Bourbon County line was located 966.0 m (0.6 miles) northeast of the site. Site dimensions, as investigated during phase II and III testing, were roughly 60 m (197 feet) east to west by 120 m (394 feet) north to south, covering 0.72 ha (1.78 acres). The site was bounded to the west by US 27/68, to the north and south by a lack of cultural material, and to the east by the project boundary.

The available archival data did not indicate when the property was originally settled, but that Preston Cummins lived on and farmed the land in 1838 before John Armstrong purchased it in 1846. John Armstrong was a relatively well-off farmer who raised and slaughtered livestock and produced hay, wheat, corn, potatoes, and butter, among other things. There were a number of slaves and servants living at the farmstead at most times. The family continued to occupy the house after John’s death in 1875, most likely until 1880. After this time, the property changed hands a number of times, and a tenant house was built on or near the location in the 1940s.

Three structures were identified during archaeological investigations: a springhouse and two possible domestic structures. A midden, an activity area, a trash pit, and a probable privy were also identified. A geophysical survey, backhoe excavations, and 1 x 1 m unit excavations were used to identify and define these features. These excavations concluded that the site was most likely initially occupied in the early nineteenth century and continued being used for domestic purposes well into the twentieth century.

The archaeological investigations of the Armstrong Farmstead provided important insights into life at an early settlement in transition from a late frontier improvement to a middle class farmstead. The analysis of artifacts such as faunal remains, ceramics, botanical remains, personal artifacts, and architectural elements allowed interpretations to be made about the changing daily lifestyles of the families who lived at this location. The interpretations were enhanced with information found in historic documents such as tax records and census records.

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DATA RECOVERY AT A NINETEENTH CENTURY CEMETERY (15Mm137) IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 7-320.00)

Author: Alexandra D. Bybee and Michael D. Richmond

Date: April 9, 2003

Abstract: Between October 7 and 21, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. personnel completed phase III archaeological data recovery of the unmarked historic cemetery at 15Mm137 in Montgomery County, Kentucky. The cemetery was located along an upland ridge overlooking Sycamore Creek and was located within the right-of-way boundary for the proposed realignment of US 460 between Camargo and Jeffersonville, Kentucky (Item Number 7-320.00). The cemetery was identified during the phase II National Register evaluation of the known prehistoric component of the site in 2001. The investigations were conducted at the request of Mr. Doug Lambert of Palmer Engineering, Inc., on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Item Number 7-320.00).

During the National Register evaluation of site 15Mm137, a variety of artifacts and plow-truncated features ranging temporally from the Early Archaic through Late Prehistoric periods were identified. In addition, a series of rectangular soil anomalies was identified at the base of the plow zone. These anomalies were situated in three rows oriented roughly north-south with the long axis’ oriented roughly east-west. These anomalies, some of which were flanked on the west and/or east ends by rough stones placed vertically into the ground, were identified as historic grave shaft outlines. Thus, in addition to the known prehistoric components of the site, 15Mm137 also contained a previously unrecorded historic cemetery with 17 interments. The prehistoric component of the site was deemed important, but because of the comprehensive excavation performed during the phase II evaluation, the research potential for that component of the site was exhausted. Based on its potential to yield information important to history, the cemetery was determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D.

Investigation of the cemetery at 15Mm137 included the identification, excavation, and exhumation of 17 historic graves and a previously unidentified prehistoric cultural feature. Analysis of recovered historic cultural and mortuary materials suggests interments were made in the cemetery ca. 1830 to 1900. Early interments (1830 and 1840 to 1880) were identified by the presence of cut nails and porcelain buttons; later interments (1870, 1875, and 1880 to 1900) were identified by the presence of celluloid buttons, decorative mass-produced hardware, and wire nails. Other materials recovered included clothing items, such as buttons, suspender buckles, and fabric, and personal adornment items, such as hair combs and a wedding band. A variety of botanical remains were also recovered, providing information on potential dietary and medicinal use of plants by the population. Although preservation was generally poor across the site, human remains were recovered from 13 of the 17 interments. Intact and fragmentary skeletal remains provided general biological data, while human hair provided information on racial affinity. Dental elements offered a variety of information regarding health, age-at-death, and racial affinity for the interred population. Linear enamel hypoplasias were abundant in the population, but relatively few incidences of dental caries were identified. The spatial organization and other mortuary aspects were characteristic of an upland south folk cemetery. Burials were aligned in three rows suggestive of a founding family flanked by later generations or later unrelated occupants of the land. Dates associated with the interments suggest the cemetery could contain members of the Craig family, Euro-American farmers who owned the land on which the cemetery was located until 1865, or the Salyers family, also Euro-American farmers, who purchased the land in 1865 and owned it through most of the period from 1865 until 1920.

The prehistoric feature was associated with the Middle Woodland component of 15Mm137. The feature (Feature 5) contained a copper adz, a Snyders-like hafted biface, a groundstone celt fragment, mica flecking, calcined bone, and abundant wood charcoal. The wood charcoal produced a radiocarbon date of 1720 +/- 60 BP (Beta 174892). The two sigma calibrated range for this date (Cal. AD 150-430) overlaps with the date derived from earspool cordage (Cal. AD 40-230) (Beta 158296) from the Middle Woodland ritual cache feature previously documented at the site. It is suggested that Feature 5 was a Middle Woodland ritual feature of unknown function and was contemporaneous with the cache feature. This hypothesis is based on the presence of extra-local copper in both features and the overlapping radiocarbon dates.

All of the human remains and associated items recovered from the 17 historic graves at the 15Mm137 cemetery will be entrusted to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet or a designated funeral home for reinterment into the Macpelah Cemetery, Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Prehistoric materials recovered during the excavation will be curated at the William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology at the University of Kentucky.

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A NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF SITE 15Mm140 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, KENTUCKY (ITEM NUMBER 7-320.00)

Author: Jason M. Anderson

Date: March 18, 2003

Abstract: Between September 30 and October 31, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts personnel conducted a phase II National Register evaluation of site 15Mm140 in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Site 15Mm140 is located within the right-of-way boundary for the proposed realignment of US 460 (Item Number 7-320.00).

15Mm140 consisted of a multicomponent (Late Archaic through Late Prehistoric) prehistoric site. These periods were identified based on the presence of diagnostic lithic and ceramic artifacts and radiocarbon dating. Phase II investigations at the site consisted of the mechanical removal of 1,445 square m of plow zone. The mechanically excavated blocks documented 39 cultural features, 12 of which were historic post molds. The site likely functioned as a residential locus that was occupied repeatedly from as early as the Late Archaic through the Late Prehistoric periods. The presence of features associated with food processing and ceramics, and the relative diversity of lithic tool types indicate the site was occupied for more than several days at a time.

The integrity of the surface and near-surface remains at site 15Mm140 has been severely compromised from plowing. Agricultural activities have truncated all of the features encountered; in most cases, only the bottoms survived. Much of the site area within the proposed right-of-way (60%) has already been backhoe stripped. Although additional stripping at the site would likely document additional features, these would most likely be heavily truncated/disturbed and produce no useful data beyond that recovered during the present study. Nearly 100 percent of the level ground, the area most likely to have features, was backhoe stripped. The remaining 40 percent of the site as it has been defined consists of gentle to moderate sideslopes. Since the site is multicomponent, it is likely that these features would not be able to be placed within a chronological timeframe. For these reasons, further work at site 15Mm140 would not likely produce useful data beyond that recovered during the present investigation. 15Mm140 is not considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed project constitutes no adverse effect on the portion of site 15Mm140 within the proposed right-of-way.

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BIOANTHROPOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF A 19th CENTURY CEMETERY (15CP61) IN CAMPBELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY (Item No. 6-046.00)

Author: Alexandra D. Bybee

Date: March 13, 2003

Abstract: Between September 23 and October 15, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI) personnel completed a National Register evaluation of an unmarked historic cemetery (15Cp61) near the community of Fairlane in Campbell County, Kentucky. The investigation was conducted at the request of Mr. Doug Lambert of Palmer Engineering, Inc., on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) (Item Number 6-046.00). The cemetery was located along a small, level terrace overlooking an unnamed tributary of Phillips Creek and was positioned within the right-of-way boundary for the proposed upgrade of US 27. The cemetery was identified by personnel from the KYTC District 6 in 2000 and was visited by KYTC archaeologists shortly thereafter to delineate the boundaries of the cemetery. At that time, several rough, uninscribed fieldstone grave markers were identified, suggestive of at least five interments. Initial archival research did not produce any historic records pertaining to the cemetery and the only historic map on which a cemetery was depicted for this location was a 1946 KYTC construction plan map associated with earlier upgrades to US 27. Because the cemetery held a demographically and chronologically unknown population, it was considered potentially eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D. KYTC archaeologists recommended archaeological excavation of two interments to examine the preservation of cultural and skeletal remains, and to obtain information on the time period in which interments were made in the cemetery. Instead, through consultation with KYTC and the Kentucky Heritage Council (KHC), it was decided that all interments would be excavated archaeologically in order to evaluate the National Register status of the cemetery.

Archaeological investigation of the 15Cp61 cemetery included the identification, excavation, and exhumation of 15 historic graves. Analysis of recovered cultural and mortuary materials suggest interments were made in the cemetery ca. 1830 to 1900. Early interments (1830 and 1840 to 1880) were identified by the presence of cut nails and porcelain buttons; later interments (1850 and 1880 to 1900) were identified by the presence of wire nails and mass-produced hardware. Preservation of human remains was poor across the site and fragmentary skeletal and dental elements were recovered from only four interments. The human remains provided little biological information about this population. The spatial organization and other mortuary aspects were characteristic of an upland south folk cemetery. Burials were aligned in three rows suggestive of a founding family flanked by later generations or later unrelated occupants of the land. The cemetery population appears to have consisted of sub-adults and adults, but little more demographic information could be obtained from the meager human and funerary remains recovered. Dates associated with the interments suggest the cemetery could contain members of the Darlington family, financially poor Euro-Americans who purchased the land on which the cemetery is located in 1868. The land has remained in the possession of Darlington heirs since that time.

Archaeological investigation of the 15Cp61 cemetery resulted in the excavation of 15 historic graves. Due to poor preservation, the ubiquitous nature of the cultural and mortuary remains recovered, and the lack of historical documentation for the cemetery, 15Cp61 is not considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Archaeological clearance for this project is recommended. Upon completion of the archaeological analysis and acceptance of the technical report by the KYTC and KHC, all human remains and associated mortuary items will be turned over to Cooper Funeral Home in Grants Lick, Kentucky for reinterment in Alexandria Cemetery, Alexandria, Kentucky.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED KY 2375 WHIPPOORWILL CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (ITEM 3-1053.00), LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Andrew P. Bradbury

Date: August 27, 2002

Abstract: On April 11 and 12, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts personnel completed an archaeological reconnaissance survey of the proposed KY 2375 replacement of bridge and approaches in Logan County, Kentucky (Item Number 3-1053.00). The archaeological reconnaissance inventory resulted in the discovery of one previously unrecorded archaeological site (15Lo207) and the revisit of a previously identified site (15Lo16).

Site 15Lo16 (the Collier Site) was situated within the project area. The northern portion of the site, as originally defined, was situated within the boundaries of the proposed ROW (between Stations 17+00 to 21+00). As the site was previously defined, this area was plowed and disked prior to the conduct of the survey to allow a controlled surface collection to be made of the site. The plow zone (approximately 25 cm) was followed by culturally sterile red-clay subsoil. All cultural materials were contained within plow zone deposits. Diagnostic hafted bifaces indicate a multicomponent site with occupations dating from the Early Archaic to Middle Woodland and historic periods. No horizontal separate of the various components was noted. Given the lack of integrity at the site, the multicomponent nature of the occupations, and the inability to separate these occupations, no further archaeological work is being recommended for 15Lo16.

Site 15Lo207 was identified while shovel testing in the right-of way on the southwestern bank of Whippoorwill Creek. Flake debris was recovered from seven of the shovel tests excavated within the right-of-way. It is of note that material was recovered from below the base of the plow zone in several shovel tests. The presence of material below the base of the plow zone suggested the possibility that intact cultural deposits exist at the site. To investigate the nature of these deposits, limited testing (consisting of the excavation of two 1 x 1 m units) was conducted in this area to determine the nature of the sub-plow zone deposits. These excavations were conducted between April 29 and May 1, 2002. As a result of these excavations, it was determined that intact sub-plow zone deposits existed at 15Lo207. Hafted bifaces recovered from these excavations indicated an Early Archaic affiliation for the site. Due to the presence of intact sub-plow zone deposits, phase II archaeological testing was recommended and subsequently conducted.

Between May 29 and June 16, 2002, phase II archaeological testing of site 15Lo207 was conducted. The project was conducted to evaluate the National Register significance of the site. A high-density area of lithic material was identified. These deposits were associated with a Kirk Corner Notched component, and appeared to represent the manufacture of bifaces from locally occurring chert. This area was within a tree line situated between the old county road and the cornfield. No plow zone was defined within this area and it appeared undisturbed. Eleven units were excavated in a checkerboard pattern to obtain a sample of this material. The units define the limits of the Lithic Reduction Area. High densities of flake debris were recovered along with biface fragments. The phase II investigations of the site have exhausted the research potential of the site; therefore, no additional archaeological work is recommended for 15Lo207.

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AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE PROPOSED KY 7 REALIGNMENT AND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UPGRADE (ITEM NO. 10-291.00) AND A PHASE II NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF 15Mo140 (ELK FORK SITE) IN MORGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Andrew V. Martin

Date: September 23, 2002

Abstract: Between May 28 and June 5, 2002, Cultural Resource Analysts personnel completed an archaeological survey of the proposed KY 7 realignment and bridge replacement project. The entire proposed right-of-way (ROW) area was intensively inventoried. Survey methods consisted of pedestrian survey, screened shovel testing, and deep testing using a backhoe. The survey resulted in the discovery of a single new archaeological site (15Mo140, Elk Fork Site). A deep basin-shaped feature (Feature 1), which plunged from 65 to 95 cm below current ground surface (bcgs), was identified and one piece of flake debris was recovered in one trench. Furthermore, the remains were determined to be in fine-grained alluvium, indicating that the site is probably intact (i.e., not subject to historic disturbance or other post-depositional disturbance processes). As a result, additional investigation to determine 1) the material content (types of features, artifacts and ecofacts); 2) their age; 3) the site’s horizontal and vertical extent; and 4) the geologic context and integrity as well as National Register eligibility was recommended.

The phase II portion of the project was conducted between July 8 and July 24, 2002 and consisted of a National Register Evaluation of site 15Mo140. Hand auguring on a 5 m grid was used to determine the horizontal boundaries of the site and the hand-excavation of 10 m2 was used to explore the vertical depths of the site beyond the trenches already excavated during the phase I investigation. In meeting this goal, a total of 84 auger probes, three 1 x 1 m units, two 2 x 1 m units and one 1 x 3 m unit were excavated at the site during the phase II investigations. A total of 801 pieces of lithic debitage, six bifaces, five hafted bifaces, 28 ceramic sherds, and over 2,196 pieces of FCR was discovered in auger probes and excavation units during this investigation. Two archaeological features were also excavated. Feature 1 was interpreted as a refuse pit associated with the Late Woodland component. Feature 2 was interpreted as a fire hearth associated with a late Prehistoric component. Charcoal samples were secured from Feature 2 (a large hearth) and radiocarbon dating of one of the samples produced three date ranges from A.D. 1690 to 1730, 1810 to 1920, and 1950 to 1960 at 2-sigma calibration. Diagnostic artifacts recovered during the phase II investigation indicate a stratified multi-component site with occupations dating to at least the Late Woodland and Late Prehistoric periods as well as an unidentified component stratigraphically below the Late Woodland zones. The vertical extent of the cultural occupations at the site were identified to a depth of approximately 1 m, but given the geomorphology of the area, they are likely deeper.

Ultimately, given the material and evidence found, the site appears eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D. Additional work at the site would produce significant information regarding the prehistory of the region. The site has potential for documenting regional late prehistoric cultural variation and the shift from Late Woodland to Fort Ancient settlement strategies, better definition of local Woodland phases, and a better general understanding of the regional cultural history. For these reasons, Phase III archaeological mitigation work is recommended for the Elk Fork Site prior to project implementation.

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AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE PROPOSED FOOTHILLS POWER PLANT PROPERTY AND NATIONAL REGISTER EVALUATION OF THE HART SITE (15LA183) IN LAWRENCE COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Jonathan P. Kerr

Date: April 4, 2001

Abstract: Between January 8 to 11, January 29 to February 16, and March 19 to 23, 2001, Cultural Resource Analysts’ personnel conducted phase I survey and phase II test excavations of a proposed southern expansion of a gas-fired power plant. The proposed Foothills Generating Company, LLC project was located in Lawrence County, Kentucky. Previous research in the area by Kerr (1999, 2000) determined that two sites (15La76 and 15La183) were located immediately adjacent to the current project area. Kerr (1999) relocated 15La76 during phase I and II investigations of the proposed Riverside Power Plant and 15La183 (Kerr 2000) during survey for a proposed transmission line. At the time of those investigations, the boundaries of the sites were defined by the rights-of-way for the study areas, which coincided with the boundaries for the current project. Therefore, the cultural remains identified during the current survey represented an expansion of the boundary for one of the sites. Because there appeared to be a slight separation (negative backhoe trenches) between site 15La76 and no separation between 15La183 and the remains identified during the current study, the latter site number was used. The survey and testing resulted in the extension of the boundaries of site 15La183, the Hart site. The project area was surveyed for cultural resources using systematic backhoe trenching and pedestrian survey. During the survey ca. 8.4 hectares (21 acres) were examined and 13 intact prehistoric cultural features were documented at the base of the plow zone. The results of the trenching indicated that additional work was needed to determine the nature, extent, age, and integrity of this portion of the site so that a determination of its significance could be made. In consultation with, and with the approval of, the State Historic Preservation Office, phase II evaluation of the site was subsequently accomplished. Additional trenching at closer intervals, stripping of plow zone to expose sub-plow zone features, and hand excavation of units were conducted. The investigations led to the documentation of 41 additional features, two possible post molds, and two areas of intact, buried cultural deposits. The archaeological investigations identified plow-disturbed surface deposits, plow-truncated features, and intact buried archaeological deposits. The plow-disturbed surface material included a very light scatter of lithic debris and fire-cracked rock. The plow-truncated features contained few pieces of flaked lithic debris, light charcoal flecking, and a small amount of nutshell. Temporally diagnostic material was recovered from four features indicating that the surface remains resulted from sporadic occupations from the Late Archaic to the Late Woodland periods. The scattered distribution of plow zone-truncated features did not represent discrete occupations related to specific cultural periods. Buried occupation loci/activity areas were observed within the Bt and C horizons in the two small areas (a Northern Buried Locality and a Southern Buried Locality) along the eastern edge of the project area. They consisted of lenses of rough rock, charcoal, lithic debitage and tools, and features with an associated scatter of rock and charcoal. They were contained within a 40-50 cm thick zone. An Early Archaic Bifurcate Cluster hafted biface, indicating a possible Kanawha phase association, was recovered from the buried occupation loci. In addition, a radiocarbon sample from Feature 23, higher in this zone, dated to 7720 ? 160 BP, assigning the upper portion of the horizon to the Middle Archaic Stanly phase. The intact archaeological remains are considered eligible for nomination to the National Register. The construction of the Foothills Power Plant as currently designed will impact the portions of the site that contain significant remains; however, the remains in the small northern area represented a scattered ephemeral occupation locus. In contrast, the remains in the southern area represented slightly more intensive occupation/use of the area with thicker deposits producing more artifacts, possibly representing multiple, stratified occupations. To mitigate the effects of the project, it is recommended that the portion of the site that has the greatest potential (the southern portion of the site that contains intact, buried occupations) undergo phase III data recovery investigations.

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PHASE III EXCAVATIONS AT MCCONNELL’S HOMESTEAD SITE (15BB75) BOURBON COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Author: Grant L. Day and R. Berle Clay With contributions by Donald B. Ball, Gary D. Crites, JoAnn Wilson, James T. Kirkwood, Henry S. McKelway, Matthew D. Reynolds, and Michael Tuma

Date: December 8, 2000

Abstract: From June 1 through August 13, 1998, Cultural Resource Analysts’ personnel completed phase II and phase III investigations at archaeological site 15Bb75 along the proposed U.S. 27/68 upgrade in Bourbon County, Kentucky. These investigations were conducted at the request of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Previous archaeological testing had recorded the existence of three buried historic structures at this site. The first structure was identified as the remains of William McConnell’s Homestead (“Station”). The second was thought to be an associated outbuilding, possibly a slave quarters. The final structure was thought to be a later house perhaps associated with the John Ardery occupation. However, this third structure was not investigated because there was little evidence of its existence and it appeared to be located about 75 m outside the project area. Work by Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. focused on only the first two structures. The archaeological investigation of 15Bb75 provides important insights into life at an early settlement in transition from a late frontier improvement to an upper middle class farmstead. The analysis of artifacts such as faunal remains, ceramics, window glass, nails, firearms, and architectural elements allowed interpretations to be made about the changing daily lifestyles of the families who lived at this location. The interpretations were enhanced with information found in historic documents such as tax records, census records, and journals. The available archival data indicates that William McConnell settled at this site during the late 1780s. He was a relatively prosperous farmer who raised livestock and might have periodically rented slaves. In building Structure 1 he made an important and recognizable statement reflecting his wealth, his ethnic background, and his interaction with the values of the local Bourbon County community. When he died in 1823, he left his “mansion house and plantation,” as he called it, to his heirs. John Ardery, who married William McConnell’s daughter Elizabeth in 1818, inherited the house and a portion of the land after McConnell’s death. Ardery also became a prosperous farmer. He increased the size of his operation by purchasing surrounding land and, through lease or purchase, he obtained an increasing number slaves as his estate grew. By 1830 there were twenty people living at the Ardery homestead including thirteen family members and as many as seven slaves. Ardery and his family occupied the site until his death in 1853. In 1853, Lafayette Ardery, John Ardery’s son, inherited the house and farm. Lafayette and Fannie his wife lived at the site until about 1871, when they purchased a more commodious house closer to the county seat of Paris, Kentucky. By 1880, McConnell’s Homestead, now abandoned, had burned: it was not rebuilt. During the 1880s, a tenant house was constructed just west of the ruins of McConnell’s Homestead. Some of the building materials may have been scavenged from the ruins of the earlier structure. This tenant house was probably occupied until the 1920s. It had been razed by 1936.

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Archaeological Survey Of Shoreline Management Initiative Fee-Owned Shoreline Along The Margins Of Kentucky Lake, Western Tennessee And Kentucky

Author: Jonathan P. Kerr

Date: February 7, 2000

Abstract: This report summarizes the results of a phase I, archaeological inventory-level survey of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lands at Kentucky Lake in western Tennessee and western Kentucky. The particular land investigated consisted of Shoreline Management Initiative (SMI) fee-owned shoreline along the margins of the reservoir. For the most part, the survey area was restricted to the shoreline and flat areas above the shoreline of the reservoir along the Tennessee River. Survey areas were also situated along the Big Sandy, Blood, and Lower Duck Rivers. The fieldwork was accomplished between April 1998 December 1998, and a total of ca. 95 shoreline miles were surveyed. Two and a half months of total survey time were conducted; all during winter draw down to maximize the amount of surface visibility. Six previously recorded sites were relocated and 164 new sites were recorded. Three previously recorded sites could not be relocated. Paleo-Indian through Historic period sites were represented. The foremost goal of this research was to provide a baseline level of documentation regarding the nature and range of resources present to facilitate management of important archaeological resources within and around Kentucky Lake. The survey covered portions of three counties in Kentucky; Calloway, Livingston, and Marshall, and four counties in Tennessee; Benton, Henry, Houston, and Humphreys. Survey areas were located between river miles 25 and 105. Site specific recommendations that can be made as a result of this study are many and quite variable. For example, mitigation is recommended for site 15ML402, because it appeared to meet, based on survey data, the criteria for inclusion in the National Register. It contained potentially significant or important historical and/or scientific data. Phase II test excavations are recommended for 18 prehistoric and historic sites (15CW227, 15CW228, 15CW233, 15CW240, 15CW241, 15CW253/40HY128, 15ML119, 15ML388, 15ML415, 15ML421, 40BN339, 40HY130, 40HY133, 40HY134, 40HO67, 40HS168, 40HS301, and 40HS311). Additional information is needed in order to determine whether they meet the criteria for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. If these sites are determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places then decisions about stabilization or mitigation can be made at that time. Capping of deep, dangerous wells or cisterns on four historic sites (40HO64, 40HO67, 40HS308, and 40HS311) is recommended. Two railroad trestles (40BN327, 40HO61) need to be evaluated by an architectural historian. Two sites (40HS201 and 40HS333) that were revisited, but were outside the project area, need to be resurveyed. No additional treatment is recommended for 145 prehistoric and historic sites and 54 isolated finds that lacked integrity or exhibited insufficient informational content.

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An Archaeological Survey Of Portions Of War Fork/Steer Fork And Sturgeon Creek In Jackson County, Kentucky

Author: Andrew P. Bradbury

Date: October 13, 1999

Abstract: Between August 19 and September 3, 1999, archaeologists from Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. conducted an archaeological survey in portions of the War Fork/Steer Fork and Sturgeon Creek drainages in Jackson County, Kentucky. The survey was conducted in conjunction with proposed alternate locations for construction of a single Jackson County reservoir. Archaeological investigations within these two areas were designed to sample approximately 25 percent of each of the two proposed reservoir alternates to: 1) identify historic properties within the portion surveyed; 2) allow for predictions of relative impacts the proposed reservoir projects would have on historic properties in these two areas; and, 3) determine the potential for significant historic properties to be located in both project areas. As a result of the survey, no archaeological sites were identified within the War Fork/Steer Fork project area. The only cultural material recovered from the War Fork/Steer Fork project area consisted of machine made glass from a non-site locality. None of this material could be identified as being greater than 50 years in age. No sites eligible for or included in the National Register were identified in the portion of the proposed project area that was surveyed. Based on the results of the survey, it is determined that the War Fork/Steer Fork project area has a low potential for affecting historic properties. Eight sites (15Ja473-480), six isolated finds and one non-site locality was documented in the Sturgeon Creek project area. All of the sites and isolated finds contained prehistoric materials. A few historic artifacts were recovered from several of the sites; however, none of the historic material could be identified conclusively as being greater than 50 years in age. Seven sites (15Ja474-480) offered only very limited research potential due to 1) the poor archaeological and geologic context of the sites; 2) the lack of features or midden deposits which would provide subsistence and radiometric data; and, 3) the paucity and low diversity of artifacts. All these sites were situated in cultivated fields and have experienced erosion and other post depositional disturbances. All cultural materials at these sites were restricted to surface or plow zone contexts. No intact cultural deposits or sub-plow zone features were identified. Additional archaeological work at these sties (15Ja474-480) would not produce significant information beyond that which has been collected. Therefore, no further work is recommended for sites 15Ja474-480. The remaining site (15Ja473) requires additional work to evaluate its significance. The site is situated on a low terrace overlooking Sturgeon Creek. The site has the potential to contain features, midden deposits and intact cultural bearing soils that could provide important information concerning prehistoric lifeways in this region of Kentucky. The site cannot be considered eligible for the National Register until the nature, extent and integrity of the cultural remains are assessed, and this is our recommendation for the site if Sturgeon Creek is selected as the preferred alternate. Based on the results of the survey, it was determined that, unlike the War Fork/Steer Fork alternate, the Sturgeon Creek project area does have the potential to contain significant historic properties. Sediments on the floodplain represent low energy depositional environments. Therefore, there is a high probability that sites located in such areas will contain undisturbed, intact cultural deposits. If the Sturgeon Creek project area is selected as the location of the new reservoir, it is recommended that, in addition to completing a surface survey of the study area, a buried site reconnaissance be conducted to identify buried archaeological remains situated on the floodplain.

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Phase II Archeological Testing of Sites 40SW346, 40SW347, 40SW357 and 15CH524 at the Fort Campbell Military Installation, Christian County, Kentucky and Stewart County, Tennessee.

Author: Andrew P. Bradbury, with Contributions by: E. Arthur Bettis, Ph.D., Gary D. Crites, Ph.D., Jonathan P. Kerr

Date: 1998

Abstract: This report details the results of Phase II testing at sites 40SW346, 40SW347, 40SW357 and 15CH524 within the Fort Campbell Military Installation in Christian County, Kentucky and Stewart County, Tennessee. The excavations were conducted in response to Delivery Order No. 4 of Cultural Resource Analyst’s IDT contract with the Nashville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Contract No. DACW62-96-D-0023).

Excavations at 40Sw346 revealed a single component, Mississippian occupation. This occupation was radiocarbon dated to the early portion of the Mississippian period (ca. A.D. 960). Artifact analyses indicate that the site likely served as a short term occupation, limited activity loci during the fall/winter months. Activities represented at the site indicate a focus on the procurement of animal resources.

The analysis of materials recovered from 40SW347 documented determined that prehistoric materials were not in a primary context. The alluvium in which the prehistoric materials were contained was most likely formed during the historic period. Recent historic materials were recovered from within these deposits and give further evidence that this is the case.

Excavations at 40SW357 revealed a single component prehistoric site of an undetermined temporal period. Analysis of the recovered materials suggests that the site was a limited activity loci that was used on a short term basis.

Phase II excavations at 15CH524 revealed that the possible buried historic component identified during the phase I survey was the result of materials within a historic plow zone being buried as a result of bulldozing activities at the site. Materials recovered from the area adjacent to the sinkhole do not represent an undisturbed deposit.

As a result of the Phase II testing, it was determined that none of the four sites examine meet the criteria necessary for inclusion on the National Register. Therefore, no further work is being recommended for these sites. The recommendation of no further work is based on the lack of integrity due to disturbances (40SW347, 15CH524), the lack of features and evidence for structural remains (40Sw346) and the non diagnostic nature of the recovered materials (40SW357). In addition, Phase II excavations at sites 40SW346 and 357 have exhausted the research potential of the site.

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Phase III Archaeological Investigations at 15Cu27 and 15Cu31, Cumberland County, Kentucky.

Author: Andrew P. Bradbury and Grant L. Day With Contributions by R. Berle Clay, Ph.D., Gary D. Crites, Ph.D., Christian Davenport, Jonathan P. Kerr, Hugh B. Matternas, and Michael W. Morris, Ph.D.

Date: 1998

Abstract: From April 11 to June 4, 1997, Cultural Resource Analysts personnel conducted phase III excavations at archeological sites 15Cu27 and 15Cu31 in conjunction with the proposed realignment of Kentucky Highway 61 in Cumberland County, Kentucky. The excavation project was conducted at the request of Les Haney of E.A. Partners on behalf of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The purpose of the phase III excavation project was to mitigate anticipated impacts to the two archeological sites (15Cu27 and 15Cu31). Both of these sites were recommended as eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D (Bradbury 1995).

A total of 11 additional units and 5 additional features were excavated during the phase III investigations at 15Cu27. Three cultural components were defined: Early Woodland/Terminal Archaic, Middle Woodland and Late Woodland/Late Prehistoric. Based on the artifact analyses and site structure, it is suggested that three separate uses of the shelter are represented during the Early Woodland/Terminal Archaic to Middle Woodland periods: 1) as a cemetery; 2) as a cache; and 3) as a temporary field camp, probably associated with the procurement of animal resources. The latter two uses likely took place during the same period of time, but represent different, and possibly unrelated, aspects of the total settlement-subsistence system of the groups involved. The procurement of tool stone is also suggested as an additional on-site activity. During the Late Woodland/Late Prehistoric period, 15Cu27 likely served as a short-term occupation, limited activity loci. The data are suggestive of activities focused on specialized procurement, notably deer. Other minor activities likely were conducted during this occupation and include the procurement of knappable stone, probably to be exported as cores and the maintenance of tools used during hunting forays. Based on the material recovered, it is likely that the shelter was used intermittently over a long span of time during the Late Woodland/Late Prehistoric period.

An additional 18 units were excavated during the Phase III investigations of 15Cu31. Four temporal/cultural components were defined for the site: 1) Plow zone, 2) Upper, 3) Kirk Corner Notched and 4) Lower. The three sub-plow zone components all appear to date to the Early Archaic period. The analyses indicated that the site represents a limited activity location. The production of bifaces appears to have been the focus of activities at 15Cu31. Flake debris analysis indicates that tool production activities dominated the chipped stone tool assemblage. Lithic reduction activities at the site appear to be focused on the production of middle to late stage bifaces of locally occurring Fort Payne chert. Raw material likely entered the site in a partially roughed out form and left the site as more complete bifaces. In addition, it is suggested that biface production was a staged process. The procurement of raw material was likely embedded in other subsistence related activities.

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