Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Cellular Communications Tower Site (New Pekin Site, Site No. IN0663, Job No. 16894), Washington County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of ATC Associates, Inc., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University ( GBL) conducted a Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey ofthe proposed location for a cellular communications tower (New Pekin Site; Site No. IN0663; Job No. 16894) in Washington County, Indiana. Construction in the proposed project area will involve installation of a central tower structure, 3 guy line anchors, and associated building and electrical equipment on concrete piers/slabs situated within a fenced enclosure. The proposed cellular tower site measured approximately 30 m x 30 m. The proposed access road measured approximately 10 m wide x 182 m long. The proposed project area is located about 4 miles southeast of Salem, Indiana. A total of approximately 0.67 acre was surveyed. The purposes of survey were 1) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project area, 2) to evaluate any sites found with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS), and 3) to make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant cultural resources. Fieldwork was conducted October 25, 2000 by GBL archaeologists Mary E. Pirkl and Daniel C. Seib. No cultural materials were discovered during the course of survey. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the entire proposed cellular communications tower impact area, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently delineated project area boundaries.