Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Martinsville 69/12.47kV Substation and 69kV Tap Line, Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of Hoosier Energy REC, Inc., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University ( GBL) conducted a Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey of the proposed location for a new 69/12.47kV substation and 69kV tap line in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana. The proposed project area consists of a substation location and a tap line. 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 cultural resources. Fieldwork was conducted January 25 and January 31, 2001 by GBL archaeologists Mary E. Pirkl and Daniel C. Seib. One previously recorded archaeological site, 12 Mg 272, a light lithic scatter of undetermined age and cultural affiliation, was discovered during the course of survey. Due to the paucity of cultural materials discovered at the site (n=10), and the lack of evidence for the presence of subsurface features (e.g. dark soil staining, charcoal), it is the opinion of the GBL that the site is unlikely to contribute significant information important to understanding Indiana prehistory in the region. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the proposed project area, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.