Phase Ia Archaeological Reconnaissance for IBR #9, Beech Coal Company - Sycamore Mine, Knox County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of the Beech Coal Company, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted a Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey for the IBR #9 area of the Sycamore Mine, located approximately 3.7 miles south of the town of Bicknell, Knox County, Indiana. The southeast end of the project area had been disturbed previously by mining activities and/or was of a greater than 30 percent slope. Approximately 0.6 acres were subject to overview. Testing was not conducted on the ridge slope or in the disturbed area. In total, approximately 14.7 acres of the 15.3 acre parcel were 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 sites. Fieldwork was conducted July 1, 2, 8-12, 15, 16, 2002 by GBL archaeologists Johnie Sanders, Bob Adkins, Phil Gordon, Amy Haluska, Alyc Helms, Holly Hilton, Ruth Heronemos, Tamara Hull, and Bryn Neunschwander. No cultural materials, sites or structures were discovered within the IBR #9 area. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the IBR #9 area provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.