An Archaeological Survey of Four Proposed Locations for New Bean Blossom-Patricksburg Waterlines in Owen County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of Bean Blossom-Patricksburg Water Corporation (BBPWC), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) performed a cultural resources survey of four proposed segments of new water line in Owen County, Indiana. BBPWC's request was in response to a request for archaeological study by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHP A). The four project areas total 6,710 meters of 5 meter-wide right-of-way. The survey covered a total of 8.3 acres. The purposes of the survey were 1) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project area, 2) to evaluate the sites 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/or potentially significant sites. Fieldwork was conducted August 10-12, 1998 by GBL archaeologists Andrew A. White, Chuck Bair, Jessica Satkoski, and Lee Fennimore. Six previously unrecorded sites (12 Ow 483, 12 Ow 484, 12 Ow 485, 12 Ow 486, 12 Ow 487, and 12 Ow 488) and one previously recorded site (12 Ow 229) were documented during this reconnaissance. Site 12 Ow 229 is recommended to be significant and eligible for inclusion on the NRHP and the IRHSS. A second site (12 Ow 483) is recommended to be potentially significant and may be eligible for inclusion on the state and national registers. The remaining five sites (12 Ow 484-488) are recommended to be non-significant and no further archaeological investigations are recommended for those sites. Although portions of the proposed water lines will cross sites that may have significant research potential, the proposed areas of affect are extremely limited in size. The GBL feels that impacts to the sites can be kept to an absolute minimum if those portions of the proposed water lines that cross 12 Ow 483 and 12 Ow 229 are rerouted to previously disturbed areas immediately adjacent to existing roads. Cultural resource clearance for waterline construction is recommended provided that the stipulations discussed below are followed and that construction through both these sites is monitored by a qualified professional archaeologist.