WebsterFarm029 1 |
Previous | 1 of 1 | Next |
|
|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
All (PDF)
|
REPORT ON RECONNAISSANCE OF WEBSTER FARM, SITE 40MU551, MAURY COUNTY On 2-19-96, Don Merritt and Suzanne Hoyal of the Tennessee Division of Archaeology and Brian Eads, NR nomination preparer from MTSU, meet with the Websters at their farm. The field examination was conducted between and during the rain which limited the available time and documentation of the site. This farm is on the edge of the Outer Central Basin at the base of the escarpment of the Western Highland Rim. The Rim overlooks the entire farm like a wall to the west. This position, which is well-drained by various streams, makes an ideal habitat for occupation and exploitation of both Basin and Rims resources. Harlan Branch is a short stream which drains the remnant knobs, including Webster Knob, to the south. Harlan Branch joins Big Bigby Creek on the Webster property. The Websters were aware of a possible Indian mound on their property in the field above the streams' confluence to the west. This brief reconnaissance found a mound that is probably the remnant of a mound which was larger before historic plowing reduced it to its current size. While the mound and site were not mapped in the field, the mound location is accurately shown on the USGS topo map as a round contour line of higher elevation in the field. The Websters reported to have found lithic artifacts in the field and in other fields surrounding their home . Two limited shovel tests were performed in the mound field to check the stratigraphy for evidence of any extant deposits as well as the disturbance from plowing. Shovel Test #1 was placed in the field around the mound on the north side of the mound. The test revealed a homogeneous upper layer of brown soil down to 40 cmbs where a lighter colored subsoil appeared. The upper brown soil contained lithic debris. Shovel Test ; _was placed on the southern slope of the mound. This test revealed a more complex strat graphy consisting of at least four levels of different colored soils (some mixed) from dark brown to reci!yellow clay down to the extent of the test at 50 cmbs. These levels contained inclusions of lithic debris, charcoal, and soil mixtures. The stratigraphy revealed here was the basis for the mound determination. While an unknown amount of the upper portions of the mound has been plowed down into the surrounding field, the mound is still relatively high and intact because the field has been less intensively plowed compared to the surrounding fields. This is possibly because of the landÂowners' knowledge of the mound, and vandals have not had easy access to it. Lithic artifacts from the Websters collection from the field were photographed after the rain drove the field party indoors. While doing this, it was noticed the location of the home itself had a high probability of being a prehistoric site. A subsequent check of the homes flower gardens and the disturbed dirt from a new electrical service line revealed lithic and ceramic artifacts in the yard. As is not to be unexpected, the home was built on a site. -JDM 3-8-96
Object Description
Description
Title | WebsterFarm029 1 |
Transcript | REPORT ON RECONNAISSANCE OF WEBSTER FARM, SITE 40MU551, MAURY COUNTY On 2-19-96, Don Merritt and Suzanne Hoyal of the Tennessee Division of Archaeology and Brian Eads, NR nomination preparer from MTSU, meet with the Websters at their farm. The field examination was conducted between and during the rain which limited the available time and documentation of the site. This farm is on the edge of the Outer Central Basin at the base of the escarpment of the Western Highland Rim. The Rim overlooks the entire farm like a wall to the west. This position, which is well-drained by various streams, makes an ideal habitat for occupation and exploitation of both Basin and Rims resources. Harlan Branch is a short stream which drains the remnant knobs, including Webster Knob, to the south. Harlan Branch joins Big Bigby Creek on the Webster property. The Websters were aware of a possible Indian mound on their property in the field above the streams' confluence to the west. This brief reconnaissance found a mound that is probably the remnant of a mound which was larger before historic plowing reduced it to its current size. While the mound and site were not mapped in the field, the mound location is accurately shown on the USGS topo map as a round contour line of higher elevation in the field. The Websters reported to have found lithic artifacts in the field and in other fields surrounding their home . Two limited shovel tests were performed in the mound field to check the stratigraphy for evidence of any extant deposits as well as the disturbance from plowing. Shovel Test #1 was placed in the field around the mound on the north side of the mound. The test revealed a homogeneous upper layer of brown soil down to 40 cmbs where a lighter colored subsoil appeared. The upper brown soil contained lithic debris. Shovel Test ; _was placed on the southern slope of the mound. This test revealed a more complex strat graphy consisting of at least four levels of different colored soils (some mixed) from dark brown to reci!yellow clay down to the extent of the test at 50 cmbs. These levels contained inclusions of lithic debris, charcoal, and soil mixtures. The stratigraphy revealed here was the basis for the mound determination. While an unknown amount of the upper portions of the mound has been plowed down into the surrounding field, the mound is still relatively high and intact because the field has been less intensively plowed compared to the surrounding fields. This is possibly because of the landÂowners' knowledge of the mound, and vandals have not had easy access to it. Lithic artifacts from the Websters collection from the field were photographed after the rain drove the field party indoors. While doing this, it was noticed the location of the home itself had a high probability of being a prehistoric site. A subsequent check of the homes flower gardens and the disturbed dirt from a new electrical service line revealed lithic and ceramic artifacts in the yard. As is not to be unexpected, the home was built on a site. -JDM 3-8-96 |