Archaeological Survey of Seven 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 surveys of seven proposed drilling locations in Martin State Forest in Martin County, Indiana. Location 1 consists of an area measuring approximately 10 m x 10 m with a 60 meter access road. Location 2 consists of an area measuring approximately 10 m x 15 m situated directly on an existing road. Location 3 consists ofan area measuring approximately 10 m x 10 m with a 20 meter access road. Location 5 consists of an area measuring approximately 1 0 m x 10 m with a 65 meter access road. Location 6 consists of an area measuring approximately 10 m x 10 m with a 75 meter access road. Area Xl consists of an area measuring approximately 10 m x 15 m situated directly on an existing road. Location X2 consists of an area measuring approximately 10 m x 12 m with a 42 meter access road. Approximately 0.86 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 May 30, 2000 by GBL archaeologists Devin W. Fishel and Scott J. Shirar. No cultural materials were discovered within the proposed impact areas. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the seven proposed drilling locations provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently defined impact area boundaries.