Archaeological Survey for Hoosier Energy Substation Site in Spiceland Township, Henry County, Indiana

Abstract

At the request of Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative Inc., the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University (GBL) conducted an archaeological records check and a Phase Ia archaeological reconnaissance survey for the proposed Raysville Substation on C.R. 575 West in, Henry County, Indiana. The project area showed no signs of recent disturbance and therefore the entire project area (approximately 1.5 acres) was surveyed using shovel probe excavation. The records check was conducted by GBL archaeologists Melody Pope and Daniel Seib. No previously recorded archaeological sites were found within a one mile radius of the project area. When this radius was expanded to 1.5 miles, a total of six prehistoric sites had been recorded all of which were recorded as light lithic scatters. 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 1, 2002 by GBL archaeologists Kris Suthers, Johnie Sanders, and Krista Jordan. No cultural materials were discovered within the proposed project area during the course of survey. It is unlikely that the construction of the Raysville Substation will negatively impact cultural resources within the proposed project area. Cultural resource clearance is therefore recommended for the project area, provided that all earth-moving activities are restricted to the currently delineated project area boundaries.