Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Location for MILCON Project 315, Crane NSWC, Martin County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of the Department of the Navy, Crane Division Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) (NAVSEA), the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted a Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey of the proposed location for MILCON Project 315 on the grounds of the Crane NSWC, Martin County, Indiana. The perimeter of the project area had been delineated with flagging tape around trees by Crane personnel prior to the beginning of fieldwork. Approximately 4.87 acres were surveyed. The purposes of the 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 October 19, 2001 by GBL archaeologists Devin Fishel, Sean Persons, Holly Hilton, and Alyc Helms. No cultural resources were discovered within the proposed project area. Based upon the results of Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance-level survey, it is the opinion of the GBL that no further archaeological work is required for the project area. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the proposed building construction project, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined project area boundaries.