Phase I Archaeological Survey of 4,147.1 acres, and Phase II Site Evaluations at 8HG24, 8HG767, and 8PO3405, Avon Park Air Force Range, Polk and Highlands Counties, Avon Park, Florida

Summary

In 2004, Headquarters Air Combat Command (HQ ACC) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey and Phase II evaluations at three previously documented sites within the boundaries of Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR). Between January 5, 2004 and February 27, 2004, a pedestrian and shovel test survey was completed of approximately 4,147.1 acres (1,678.3 ha) in the central part of the property. The acreage was stratified as high, medium, and low probability areas, as defined by a previously prepared predictive model. High probability areas comprised 551.8 ac (223.3 ha), or 13 percent of the total acreage; medium probability areas comprised 1,714.5 ac (693.9 ha), or 41 percent of the acreage; and low probability areas comprised 1,880.8 ac (761.2 ha), or 46 percent of the acreage. In total, 5,236 shovel test pits were excavated at varying intervals within these survey areas. The Phase I survey resulted in the identification of five new sites: Clark’s Point (8HG1094), Lost Crew (8HG1096), Seaboard Airline Railway (8HG1095/8PO6785), Big Drink (8PO6782), and Stalking Gator (8PO6784). In addition, supplemental data was recorded for one previously identified but undocumented site, Zechiel Bell (8PO6783). Of the sites documented in the survey, two—Seaboard Airline Railway (8HG1095/8PO6785) and Zechiel Bell (8PO6783)—are recommended potentially eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These sites should be avoided or subjected to further testing to evaluate eligibility. The remaining sites—Clark’s Point (8HG1094), Lost Crew (8HG1096), Big Drink (8PO6782), and Stalking Gator (8PO6784)—are recommended not eligible to the NRHP. Subsequently, between March 1, 2004, and March 26, 2004, Phase II evaluations were conducted at the three previously recorded sites—Sandy Hill Turpentine Camp (8HG24), Big Jahn (8HG767), and Scrub Jay (8PO3405). The work included detailed mapping, the excavation of nineteen 1 m x 2 m test units, the collection of three soil columns for special analysis, and laboratory analysis of all recovered artifacts. Based on the evaluations, the Sandy Hill Turpentine Camp (8HG24) and the Scrub Jay Site (8PO3405) are recommended eligible for nomination to the NRHP. The Big Jahn Site (8HG767) is recommended potentially eligible to the NRHP.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Avon Park Air Force Range Archaeology Archive - Documents, Images, and other Data

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 200 to 800 (Belle Glade ceramic sherds)

Calendar Date: -7000 to -6000 (Kirk Corner-Notched Point)

Calendar Date: -3000 to -1000 (Florida Archaic Stemmed point)

Calendar Date: -5000 to -3000 (Newnan projectile point)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Avon Park Air Force Range

Contributor(s): Johnna Thackston; Peg Margosian; Edwin Hajic

Landowner(s): United States Air Force

Sponsor(s): United States Air Force Air Combat Command

Permitting Agency(s): United States Air Force Air Combat Command

Repository(s): Avon Park Air Force Range

Prepared By(s): Parsons Engineering Science, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Avon Park Air Force Range; Moody Air Force Base

Record Identifiers

Avon Park Air Force Range Report No.(s): AP0017

Notes

Redaction Note: If you would like access to the full document, you may request it from Avon Park CRM: Kathy Courturier; email: kathy.couturier.ctr@us.af.mil; phone: (863) 452-4288

File Information