A Report of Archaeological Test Excavations at Clifty Creek Park, Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Abstract

In order to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, Executive Order 11593, and Public Law 93-91, a preliminary archaeological assessment of the prehistoric cultural resources in the proposed Clifty Creek Park addition in Columbus, Indiana was undertaken on August 26, 1976 at the request of Snell Environmental Group. The reconnaissance was accomplished by David E. Sonner in order to assess project impact on prehistoric cultural resources. Four prehistoric sites now recorded in the Indiana University Archaeological Survey as 12 B 87 through 12 B 90 were discovered in the undeveloped portion of the park, although ground cover did not permit a determination of their spatial extent. Mr. Sonner recommended that the four sites be further evaluated by means of archaeological test excavations to assess their archaeological significance and their possible potential for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The present report is a description of the test excavations conducted by the author during November 11-14, 1976, and an evaluation of site significance based upon test results. The present status of knowledge concerning the four archaeological sites located within the undeveloped portions of Clifty Creek Park indicates that three of the sites, 12 B 87, 12 B 88 and 12 B 90 are not likely to produce significant archaeological information other than surface collections already made and do not meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The ambiguous nature of the intrusion investigated on 12 B 89 indicates a low probability of significant in-context information existing in other areas of the site. This site also does not appear to meet the criteria for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is our conclusion that new construction at Clifty Creek Park will not adversely affect significant prehistoric cultural resources.