Phase Ia Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of the Proposed Ramsey to Corydon 69 kV Transmission Line Reconstruction Project in Harrison County, Indiana

Abstract

In February 2005 the Glenn A. Black Laboratory Office of Cultural Resource Management (GBL-OCRM), Indiana University conducted a Phase Ia archaeological survey of the Ramsey to Corydon 69 kV transmission line reconstruction project in Harrison County, Indiana, under contract with Hoosier Energy. Background research and field survey were conducted to: (1) identify and document all cultural resources in the project area; (2) evaluate any sites found with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS); and (3) make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant sites. This survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. Shovel probe survey was conducted within the proposed project boundaries on a 10 x 10 m grid. Based on the District of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) and GB-OCRM site files and survey records, the project region has been subjected to few professional archaeological surveys. The corridor as it is currently defined has not been previously subjected to archaeological survey, and no previously recorded sites are located within said boundaries. No cultural resources were identified within the project boundaries. Based on the absence of cultural material and buried alluvial deposits within the project corridor as it is currently defined, it is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that no further archaeological work is required, and archaeological clearance is recommended. However, if artifacts, cultural features, and/or remains that might prove to be human are discovered during earth-moving activities, the State Historic Preservation Officer at the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA), Indiana Department of Natural Resources, should be contacted immediately.