Phase Ia Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of the Bridge Replacement on SR 9 Over the Flat Rock River

Abstract

On 16-21 July 2003, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory Office of Cultural Resource Management (GBL-OCRM), Indiana University, conducted a Phase Ia archaeological survey of the proposed bridge replacement on SR 9 over the Flat Rock River in Shelby County, Indiana (Project STP-177-1[ ], Des. No. 0100327), under contract with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The proposed ROW is comprised of approximately 2,225 m² (0.5 acres) and is located in Shelby County, Washington Township, Sections 21 and 16 (Figure 1). Background research and field survey were conducted to: (1) identify and document all cultural resources in the project area; (2) provide an evaluation of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS) eligibility for all identified cultural resources within the project corridor; and (3) provide recommendations for mitigation if avoidance of NRHP- or IRHSS-eligible sites is not possible. This survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. The field survey consisted of pedestrian inspection of the entire project corridor. Visual surface inspection and shovel testing were conducted within the project boundaries. Shovel probes were excavated at 10 m (32 ft) intervals along transects spaced at 10 m (32 ft) paralleling SR 9 within both the eastern and western right-of-ways. Fieldwork was conducted on 16-21 July 2003 by GBL archaeologists Bryan Will, Nicole Palmer, Bob Adkins, Amy Rubick, Holly Hilton, Lauren Matisoff, Michael Darland, Stephanie Kazmierzak, and Valentin Milkov. The field investigation resulted in the identification of one new prehistoric archaeological site (12SH348) and three new historic sites (12SH346, 12SH347, and 12SH349)(Figure 2). It is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that the research potential of sites 12SH346, 12SH347, and 12SH348 has been exhausted by the current level of investigation, and archaeological clearance for 12SH346, 12SH347, and 12SH348 is recommended. Site 12SH349 is recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C (pending further investigation) as a possible representation of early mill construction in the State of Indiana. It is the opinion of the GBL-OCRM that if avoidance of 12SH349 is not possible, a Phase II excavation should be conducted to assess the association of existing landscaping features (i.e., terracing and stone walls) and artifacts recovered to the Cave Mill property.