Archaeological Survey of Four Proposed Drilling Locations, Martin County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of United States Gypsum Company, the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey for four proposed drilling locations in Martin State Forest in Martin County, Indiana. Each hole location includes an access road and drill hole site (the last 50 feet of the access road). All drill hole sites and undisturbed portions of access roads with slopes between 25 and 45 degrees were surveyed. Approximately .20 acre was surveyed. The purposes of survey were 1) to identify and document all of the cultural resources in the project area, 2) to evaluate any sites found with regard to their eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures (IRHSS), and 3) to make recommendations for the protection of significant and potentially significant sites. Fieldwork was conducted March 11, 2001 by GBL archaeologists Melody K. Pope. No cultural materials were discovered within the proposed impact areas. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the four proposed drilling locations provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined impact area boundaries.