Archaeological Survey for a Proposed Intersection Improvement on SR 65 at SR 66 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted a records review and Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey for a proposed intersection improvement on State Road 65/Big Cynthiana Road at State Road 66 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. According to information provided to the GBL by INDOT, the purpose of the project is to improve the serviceability and safety of the intersection by updating its design. The project corridor along Big Cynthiana Road extends approximately 200 meters south of SR 66; the project limits along SR 65 extend approximately 300 meters north of SR 66. The project limits along SR 66 extend roughly 270 meters west and about 280 meters east of its intersection with Big Cynthiana Road/SR 65, resulting in a total project corridor length of 550 meters. Existing rights-of-way will be used for the project, and no additional right-of-way will be required for construction. 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 January 27, 2001 by GBL archaeologists Mary E. Pirkl and Daniel C.Seib. No cultural materials were discovered within the proposed impact area. Cultural resourceclearance is therefore recommended for project area, provided that all earth-moving activities arerestricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.