Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Location of a Borrow Pit Associated with a Bridge Replacement on Memphis Road, Over Silver Creek, Southeast of Memphis (Project No. STP-7810), Clark County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of T & C Contracting, Inc., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology (GBL) performed a cultural resources reconnaissance survey at the proposed location of a borrow pit just southeast of Memphis, Clark County, Indiana. The purpose of the borrow pit excavation is to obtain materials for the replacement of the Memphis Road bridge over Silver Creek. Approximately 1.8 acres were surveyed by means of a systematic shovel probe survey. The purposes of the present survey were to: 1) identify and document the cultural resources in the proposed project area; 2) assess their potential for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS); and 3) make recommendations pertaining to the significance and future treatment of cultural resources (if present) within the project area. Fieldwork was performed on March 6, 1998 by GBL archaeologists Wendy L. Natt and Mary E. Pirkl. No cultural materials or features were found during the course of the survey. The GBL concludes that excavation of the proposed borrow pit most likely will not impact significant cultural resources. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the proposed project area.