Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey, Sagamore Hill New Antenna Run, Hamilton, Massachusetts

Summary

In December 1993 The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. conducted an archaeological reconnaissance survey at the Sagamore Hill/Solar Observatory in Hamilton, Massachusetts. The property encompasses 30 acres in the northeastern corner of the town less than one-half mile east of Essex.

The reconnaissance survey consisted of background research and a walkover/surface inspection to determine the prehistoric and historic cultural resource potential of the property. This two-step process resulted in the stratification of the project area into zones of high, moderate, and low archaeological sensitivity. The sensitivity rankings for prehistoric and historic resources are based on a combination of environmental factors (i.e., SCS soil types, slope, distance to water), present physical conditions, and known sites in the immediate vicinity.

As a result of the reconnaissance survey, the majority of the property is assessed as possessing a low archaeological sensitivity for prehistoric resources. This is based primarily on severe disturbances related to construction and landscaping activities associated with the operations of the U.S. Air Force Solar/Observatory. There are two areas of moderate sensitivity for prehistoric resources where moderately to well drained sandy soils are present on relatively level, elevated terrain.

The archaeological sensitivity for historic resources is assessed as low in areas where severe disturbances have occurred and moderate in all other portions of the property. All other intact areas of the property are assessed as having a moderate sensitivity for historic resources. This is based on the presence of Area Site #100 and documented historic land use and settlement patterns in the immediate vicinity of Sagamore Hill. In addition, a 100-foot buffer zone has been designated within and adjacent to the solar observatory property surrounding the burial site (Area #100). This area has a strong likelihood for containing additional isolated and/or clustered human burial features.

Should future impacts be planned in areas of moderate prehistoric and historic sensitivity, then additional archaeological investigations may be warranted. These investigations would be in the form of an intensive-level survey designed to locate and identify any potentially important cultural resources in sensitive portions of the property. Construction activities should be avoided within the 100-foot buffer zone surrounding Area Site #100.

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

Contributor(s): Steve Willan; Daniel Dietch

Principal Investigator(s): Suzanne Glover

Prepared By(s): The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Lelito Environmental Consultants

Record Identifiers

PAL Report No.(s): 542

File Information