Final Phase 1 Archaeological Survey, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts

Summary

As part of ongoing cultural resources management work at Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), the Headquarters Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (HQ AFCEE) contracted Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. (Parsons ES) to perform a Phase I archaeological survey of previously identified areas on the base determined to have moderate to high potential for archaeological resources. These 34 areas, totaling approximately 120 acres, were identified through a previous archaeological reconnaissance survey and soils inspection conducted in 1991-1992 (Bussey et al. 1992). All are located within portions o f Hanscom AFB, which were believed to have the least amount of disturbance to the original ground surface and therefore the greatest likelihood of containing intact soils and archaeological sites.

The single archaeological site identified in Area 31 (LEX-HA-9) is a discrete, short-term use dump that dates from ca. the 1910s to the 1930s. The site is located within a wooded area, measures ca. 100 feet east-west and ea. 75 feet north-south, and is visible on the ground surface. Due to standing water at the time of the field survey, no STPs were excavated directly within the surface dump site, although an STP excavated in close proximity revealed artifacts only within the top soil horizon. The majority of the cultural materials collected from the surface of the dump are household artifacts, including ceramic wares, glass bottles and containers. Several personal artifacts also were collected, including a comb, a doll part, a leather shoe sole, and a pair of metal scissors. The dump is located at the extreme southern boundary of Hanscom AFB, adjacent to a stone wall and near the edge o f Minute Man National Historical Park. The twentieth-century dump site recorded as part of the current Phase I study, while located on an adjacent property to the eighteenth-century Thomas Nelson, Sr, site in Minute Man National Historical Park, does not appear to be part of that site. Rather, the site LEX-HA-9 represents a domestic refuse dump unassociated with nearby historic structures or sites. It was likely used only for a short time. Based upon its probable lack of potential to contribute significant information to local or regional history, it is recommended not eligible to the National Register of Historic Places.

No further work for site LEX-HA-9 is recommended. Additionally, since no archaeological sites were identified in the rest of the moderate to high probability areas surveyed, no further investigation at any of these locations is warranted. This survey did not specifically search for evidence of the skirmish of April 19, 1775, and no archaeological traces of that event were found in the 34 traces of that were surveyed at Hanscom AFB. We cannot with certainty conclude that battlefield evidence such as spent bullets, buttons, or burials do not still remain in those areas on Hanscom AFB where the engagement took place.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Hanscom Air Force Base Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management Archive

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Hanscom Air Force Base

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

Submitted To(s): Air Force for Environmental Excellence/ECR; Hanscom Air Force Base

Record Identifiers

Delivery Order No.(s): 0043

Contract No.(s): F41624-94-D-8136

File Information