A Phase 1a Surface Archaeological Reconnaissance of Approximately 170 Acres Proposed for Sand and Gravel Mining and Phase 1c Subsurface Archaeological Reconnaissance of a Proposed Conveyor Right-of-Way near Bethlehem, Clark County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of Bethlehem Sand and Gravel and Mr. Don Purvis, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL), conducted a Phase 1a surface archaeological reconnaissance of approximately 170 acres proposed for sand and gravel mining near Bethlehem in Clark County, Indiana. In addition, the GBL performed a Phase 1c subsurface reconnaissance of a proposed conveyor right-of-way between the proposed mining area and the Ohio River. The purpose of the surveys was to locate any archaeological resources within the proposed area of impact and to assess the potential of those resources for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS). The surface reconnaissance (Phase 1a) of the Bethlehem Sand and Gravel project area was conducted April 20 through April 28, 1999 by GBL archaeologists Andrew A. White, Amanda S. Roth, Jessica A. Satkoski, and Lee T. Fennimore. Seventeen previously unrecorded archaeological sites were documented during the survey. The boundary of one previously recorded prehistoric site was extended to include a portion of the site that extends into the area surveyed during the present reconnaissance. No further investigations are recommended for site 12 Cl 475. Of the 18 prehistoric sites examined (including the prehistoric component of 12 Cl 475) during the surface reconnaissance, 16 are small and/or sparse scatters that are unlikely to contain intact subsurface deposits. Two prehistoric sites have the potential to provide significant information relevant to the study of local, state, and regional prehistory. Avoidance is recommended for these sites. If avoidance is unfeasible for those two sites. they should undergo Phase II archaeological testing prior to disturbance to assess their eligibility for inclusion on the state and national registers. The subsurface reconnaissance (Phase 1c) of the proposed conveyor corridor was conducted June 15 through June 17, 1999 by GBL archaeologists Patrick K. O'Brien, Andrew A. White, Amanda S. Roth, and Scott J. Shirar. One previously unrecorded prehistoric site (12 Cl 494) was documented during the subsurface reconnaissance. No further investigations are recommended for the portion of Cl 494 that will be impacted by the proposed construction.