Phase III Archaeological Data Recovery Investigations at 40SV232, Seiver County, Tennessee

Summary

Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRA), was contracted by K-Va-T Food Stores, Inc., to conduct Phase II archaeological testing and Phase III archaeological data recovery investigations at site 40SV232 in Sevier County, Tennessee. The site is located north of the Dolly Parton Parkway along the front portion of a low lying terrace overlooking the floodplain of the Little Pigeon River. Data recovery excavations were designed to implement the research design developed for the project. The results of both Phase II and Phase III investigations are detailed in this report. The Phase II work was conducted between January 31 and February 2, 2017, and consisted of the excavation of six test units (1-x-1 m), the stripping of plow zone in five backhoe strips, and the excavation of exposed features. All of the features were defined at the base of the plow zone. No intact sub–plow zone materials were recovered from the test units. Diagnostic artifacts from features were rare. These artifacts consisted of a Lowe Cluster (late Middle Woodland to early Late Woodland) and a small assemblage of ceramics. The ceramics suggested a Woodland occupation. Two Small Triangular cluster points were recovered from test unit excavation at the site and suggest a possible Late Woodland occupation is also present. The data recovery investigations for 40SV232 were conducted between August 9 and August 14, 2017. As a result of the work, adverse effects to the site within the area of potential effect have been mitigated. Phase III field investigations consisted of the mechanical removal of the plow zone within a block area and the excavation of prehistoric features at the base of the plow zone. A total of 24 anomalies (Phase II and Phase III investigations combined) were determined to be prehistoric pit features. Phase II and Phase III investigations documented a multi-component prehistoric site with occupations dating to the: Early Archaic; Late Archaic; Early Woodland; late Middle Woodland to early Late Woodland; and Mississippian times. With the exception of the Late Archaic occupation, the remainder of the occupations were limited and likely disturbed by previous construction activities outside the current project area. The Late Archaic occupation was the most extensive represented at the site. The data suggest that the Late Archaic materials at the site represent the remains of at least two different visits to the site during the Savannah River phase. The site appears to have been used as a fall logistical camp where the procurement and processing of food resources was conducted.

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Renee Bonzani

Notes

General Note: This submission was funded by the Food Connection Student Opportunity Grant from the University of Kentucky and was entered with the assistance of Ivaylo Ivanov, undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky.

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