This focus will span all 92 counties. Archaeological sites are each given a unique, sequential identification number as they are recorded. This helps archaeologists keep track of the artifacts that come from the site and differentiates it from other sites in the area. The numbering system tells archaeologists what state and county a site comes from, and what the specific number in that county belongs to the site. For example, Angel Mounds is archaeological site 12-Vg-1, meaning it is from Vanderburgh County (Vg), Indiana (12), and is the first documented site in that county (1). In this newsletter, we are highlighting the 25th site from Jackson through Kosciusko County.
Jackson County 12-J-25: This site is an Archaic camp site that was documented in 1978 as a result of a survey of the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.
Jay County, 12-Ja-25: Little is known about site 12-Ja-25. The site form indicates that it was documented in 1981 but does not detail what archaeological materials were found at that time. However, we do have a site location, meaning that if the area of the site will ever be impacted by construction activity, we know to take a closer look at what resources may be there.
Jefferson County, 12-Je-25: This site is a Late Archaic site documented by the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology in 1973.
Jennings County, 12-Jn-25: This site was also investigated by the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology in 1980. It consisted of a small scatter of materials that included waste flakes and a hammerstone, suggesting it was the location of lithic tool production.
Johnson County, 12-Jo-25: This Johnson County precontact site is part of a cluster of sites that ring a former marshy area. No diagnostic artifacts were documented at the time of survey in 1972, but artifacts noted at the time included two scrapers, a good amount of lithic debris, and a large slate blank.
Knox County, 12-K-25: This is a small camp site located near the Wabash River. Some of the artifacts at the site included mussel shell, which is not surprising. It is not uncommon to find mussel shell at precontact archaeological sites along the rivers of southern Indiana.
Kosciusko County, 12-Ko-25: This site was reported to Ball State University archaeologists in the late 1980s as part of an archaeological research project for Whitley and Kosciusko counties. The site was not field investigated at the time but was reported to have yielded diagnostic points, including a Hopewell point.
SHAARD Tip - REMINDER: It is necessary to check both the archaeology GIS map and the SHAARD database when conducting an archaeological records check. Only checking the map is not sufficient. Sometimes, site forms for sites identified in a report were never submitted to the DHPA. Since the database and map are linked, that means that if there is no site form, then the site will not show up on the map. If you only check one, then your records check will be incomplete. Please help us identify sites that need to be mapped and site forms that need to be completed by letting our office know if you come across situations like this during your research.
Outreach-
* Archaeology in your Community - Research Archaeologist Rachel Sharkey will be giving a virtual version of the “Archaeology in your Community” program for the Johnson County Public Library on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Zoom information will be available closer to the event. Registration is required at jcplin.libnet.info/event/4736349.
This information is distributed via email by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA). This is meant to provide information on current archaeological topics and issues in which the DHPA is involved. An archive of past Archaeology News issues is available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at 317-232-1646.
Mission Statement: The Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology promotes the conservation of Indiana’s cultural resources through public education efforts, financial incentives including several grant and tax credit programs, and the administration of state and federally mandated legislation.
Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology, 402 W. Washington St., Room W274, Indianapolis, IN 46204. www.IN.gov/dnr/historic, www.facebook.com/INdhpa
Indiana Archaeology Month (September) webpage - http://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/3674.htm
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Compiled by Amy Johnson, State Archaeologist, Archaeology Outreach Coordinator, and Team Leader for Archaeology (January 2021). Text also provided by Rachel Sharkey. #ArchaeoNewsIN