Archaeological Survey of Approximately 40 Acres in the Proposed Location of the International School, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana

Abstract

In conjunction with the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted a Phase 1 a surface archaeological survey of approximately 40 acres proposed for development in Indianapolis, Indiana. The land within the survey area will be developed as the grounds for a new International School. The purpose of the reconnaissance was to locate any archaeological resources within the proposed development area and to assess the potential of those resources for inclusion on the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS) and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The archaeological reconnaissance (field survey) of the area proposed for development was conducted between February 25 and March 6, 2000. Field personnel from both DHPA and GBL were present on February 25 to perform the initial walk-over of the project area. DHP A personnel included James Mohow, Laurie Sayers, and Kimberly Tinkham. GBL personnel included Patrick O'Brien, Wendy Natt, Mary Pirkl, Andrew White, Scott Shirar, Lee Fennimore, and Devin Fishel. Eleven previously unrecorded archaeological sites (12 Ma 857-867) were documented during this reconnaissance. It is possible that three of these sites (12 Ma 865, 866, and 867) fall within the boundaries of 12 Ma 5 as recorded by J.C. Householder in 1937. Of the eleven sites documented, GBL considers sites 12 Ma 860, 863, 865, and 867 to have the greatest potential for further research. Each of these sites has the potential to contain intact cultural deposits below the plowzone, and thus each of these sites is potentially eligible for the State and National registers. Avoidance is recommended for these sites. If avoidance is not feasible, Phase 2 archaeological testing should be undertaken prior to any earthmoving to identify the nature and extent of any intact cultural deposits that may be present.