Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Location for a Plasma Arc Furnace, 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 a plasma arc furnace on the grounds of the Crane NSWC, Martin County, Indiana. A rectangular parcel measuring approximately 110 feet by 200 feet had been staked by Crane personnel prior to the beginning of fieldwork. Approximately 0.4 acre was 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 April 4, 2001 by GBL archaeologist Melody Pope. 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.