Archaeological Testing of Sites 1, 2, 4, 5 in the Proposed Ronald Reagan Expressway Corridor

Survey Sites 1, 2, 4, and 5 in the proposed Ronald Reagan Expressway Corridor were tested. Archaeological testing procedures varied in accordance with two general site types: historic sites with standing structures (Sites 1 and 2); and subsurface prehistoric sites (Sites 4 and 5). Site 1 is an evolved early twentieth-century tenant farmer's house. It consists of an original board and batten structure with two lap-sided room additions. Archaeological testing involved the excavation of one 2 X 2 m test unit. A chain of title was established for the property, and the integrity of the structure was assessed by an architectural historian. The site lacks sufficient architectural and archaeological significance to warrant its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Site 2 consists of a house constructed in the mid- to late-1860s, an outbuilding of later construction, a well, and collapsed privy. Archaeological testing involved the excavation of three 2 X 2 m test units. One feature, a post mold, was encountered in one of the test units. A chain-of-title was established for the property, and the integrity of the structure was assessed by an architectural historian. The site contains sufficient architectural and archaeological significance to warrant its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Site 4 is a multicomponent, prehistoric, high quality crystalline quartz quarry site. Archaeological testing involved the systematic excavation of shovel tests across the site to determine site boundaries. Two, 2 X 2 m excavation units were located within the proposed corridor. One of the test units encountered a quartz quarry pit originating from a "sealed" soil horizon. On the basis of its integrity and research potential, Site 4 is eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Site 5 is a multicomponent prehistoric site on a terrace overlooking the Yellow River floodplain, less than a mile west of Site 4. The primary occupation was during the terminal Late Woodland/transitional Mississippian Period (Woodstock phase). Middle and Late Archaic Period, and Middle to Late Woodland Period components are also represented. Unfortunately, the integrity of the site has been destroyed by modern plowing. Consequently, Site 5 is not eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.