Archeological Site Survey, Basic Data Report, BPI_0521, N.D.

Summary

This site was first recorded by Wilke & Thompson in 1977 as a thin scattering of oyster shells confined to plowzone, and a shell-filled pit found eroding out of a bank. MAAR Associates conducted a Phase I in 1993, noting three distinct shell deposits in this area, and recommending increasing the recorded size of the site from 100 square feet to an area measuring roughly 615x60m. They found a scatter of 7 quartz and quartzite flakes, 1 hammerstone, and 3 fire-cracked rocks.

In February, 1999, Tetra Tech, Inc. conducted Phase II testing. The site was divided into three Sections based on dense oyster shell concentrations. Stps and units were dug across the site, and shell middens eroding from the bluffs were noted.

Section A revealed 30 ceramic sherds, 71 debitage, 129 fire-cracked rock, and 6 tools, as well as one burnt soil sample, one piece of steatite, one burnt bone fragment, six pieces of hematite, and one fragment of whiteware. Ceramics included 25 Potomac Creek sherds and 1 possible Rappahannock. One Savannah River/Holmes point was also found.

Section B yielded 1 ceramic sherd, 11 debitage, and 14 fire-cracked rock. The ceramic was a sand-tempered sherd too small for analysis.

Section C was the largest, southernmost, portion of the site. Shell midden was encountered in two of the stps as well as visible on the bank. Other features found included possible post molds and pit features. Testing of this section yielded 28 ceramic sherds, 417 debitage, 396 fire-cracked rocks, 11 tools, and three pieces of coal. The ceramics include 1 Popes Creek, 2 Mockley, and 22 Potomac Creek. Tools included five Savannah River/Holmes points and the base of a Triangular point. 1 possible ground stone tool was also found.

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Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): US Army Corps of Engineers Mandatory Center of Expertise for the Curation and Management of Archaeological Collections, St. Louis District

Landowner(s): Harry Diamond Laboratories, Adelphi, MD

Repository(s): Adelphi Laboratory

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