Archaeological Reconnaissance of the Proposed Leonard Springs Nature Park in Monroe County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation (BPR), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted an archaeological reconnaissance of approximately 83 acres to be impacted by the proposed development of Leonard Springs Nature Park in Monroe County, Indiana. This report describes the survey area and presents the methods, findings, and cultural significance/clearance recommendations based on the GBL's findings. The purposes of the archaeological reconnaissance were to: 1) identify and document cultural resources in the proposed project area; 2) assess the eligibility of these resources 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 within the project area. Fieldwork was performed from April 7 through May 20, 1999 by GBL archaeologists Patrick K. O'Brien, Wendy L. Natt, Mary E. Pirkl, and Craig D. Byron. Six known but previously undocumented historic sites were investigated and documented during the reconnaissance (12 Mo 1134, 1135, 1136, 1137, 1138, and 1139). One previously undocumented historic site (12 Mo 1140) was found outside of Leonard Springs Park, east of the project area's eastern boundary. Although the structural remains at sites 12 Mo 1134-1137 are not inherently significant in and of themselves, they do contribute to the larger significance of the park as a whole and, for this reason, should be protected. Per information provided to the GBL by BPR, none of these four sites will be impacted by the proposed development. Sites 12 Mo 1138 and 1139, however, are not of historic significance. They are of relatively recent construction, are not referred to in any historic accounts or archival property documents, and they are not located in areas of any specific, known historical significance. Cultural resource clearance is recommended for these two sites and for the development of Leonard Springs Nature Park. No further archaeological investigation is recommended. 12 Mo 1140 is outside of the project area and therefore will not be impacted by the proposed park development. Because 12 Mo 1140 is in very poor condition and has little architectural or archaeological integrity, it is recommended to be non-significant. However, if impacts to the site are proposed in the future, 12 Mo 1140 should be resurveyed and archivally researched so that its archaeological potential can be fully evaluated.