Archaeological Investigations 9WH71 and 9WH95 Smithgall/Dukes Creek Conservation Area, White County

In the fall of 1999, Archaeological Services Unit Archaeologists, assisted by Parks and Historic Sites staff, conducted archaeological investigations at three locations within Smithgall Woods/Dukes Creek Conservation Area. Two previously recorded sites, 9Wh71 and 9WH95, were tested to determine site boundaries and evaluate the sites for management and interpretive purposes. An additional goal of the investigation was to try and determine if either site fit the description of one that was investigated in 1939 and reported by Robert Wauchope. In addition to testing the two known sites, shovel tests were placed in the field on the west bank of Dukes Creek immediately upstream of SR75Alt. to determine if a site was located in that area. Archaeological investigations determined that both 9Wh71 and 9Wh95 had been heavily disturbed by a variety of land uses, including mining, timbering, agriculture, and operation of a rock crusher. Several components were recognized, but disturbances were so severe that, based on the results of our investigation, neither site was found to have evidence for containing intact deposits or features that could provide important information. However, it could not be determined if either site had been visited by Wauchope's crew in 1939. Maps and verbal descriptions suggest that the 1939 excavations took place on one of these sites. The current investigation does not support a recommendation of National Register eligibility; however, due to the uncertainty surrounding the exact location of the 1939 investigation, which included excavation of several trenches that exposed several pit features, a post pattern indicating a circular house, and a historic aboriginal burial, HPD is reluctant to recommend either 9Wh71 or 9Wh95 not eligible. NRHP eligibility of the sites remains unknown. Based on results of the current investigation, HPD is of the opinion that continued use of the fields for game plantings will have no detrimental effects on the sites. Any change in land use that involves grading or deep disturbance should include additional, more intensive archaeological investigation.