Archaeological Survey of Two Proposed Cellular Communications Tower Sites (Leavenworth and Sulphur), Crawford County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of ATC Associates, Inc., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance-level survey of the proposed locations for construction of two cellular communications towers in Crawford County, Indiana. In addition to the cellular communications structures, the associated access road for each proposed location was surveyed. Approximately 0.8 acres were surveyed at the Leavenworth project area and roughly 0.5 acres were surveyed at the Sulphur project area. The purposes of survey were 1) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project area, 2) to evaluate any 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 potentially significant cultural resources. Fieldwork was conducted April 28, 2000 by GBL archaeologists Devin W. Fishel and Brian W. Troyer. One previously unrecorded prehistoric archaeological site, 12 Cr 485, was discovered at the Leavenworth project area. 12 Cr 485, a lithic scatter/reduction site of light to moderate density, is potentially eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS). The results of the present Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey were not adequate for determination of eligibility. Therefore avoidance of site 12 Cr 485 is recommended. If avoidance is not possible, Phase lb intensive survey is recommended in order to determine the extent and nature of buried deposits. No cultural materials were discovered at the Sulphur project area. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for construction of the proposed Sulphur cellular communications tower provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.