Williams, John M. and Justice, Noel D. (Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology),
Indiana University, Bloomington)
AN INTERIM REPORT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF BROWN COUNTY
During July 1990 an archaeological reconnaissance of Brown County was begun by
the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology with Noel Justice as director and
John Williams as field supervisor. The object of the study was to supply information
pertaining to the prehistoric and early historic occupations of Brown County,
Indiana. The primary goal was to add significant information to the archaeological
database for the Norman Uplands Physiographic Region to assist in the preservation
planning of that region. From past field efforts a substantial database has been
developed for counties adjacent to and south of Brown County, but even when taken
together, these surveys have not produced enough information for adequate management
of cultural resources in any of the diverse physiographic zones of south-central
Indiana.
Of the 44 new sites identified thus far, none can be assigned to the Pateo-Indian
period. Private collections show evidence of this early occupation, but their
materials are without provenience. The 15 Archaic sites are distributed evenly
between terraces and ridge tops; only one Archaic site is located in the floodplain.
A full range of Early through La e Archaic projectile points are well represented
in private collections. Two Woodland sites have been recorded on ridges and two
are situated on the terraces. The ceramics identified thus far can be attributed
to the Late Woodland period. No Mississippian sites have been found. Historic
period sites range from log cabin homesteads to early industries such as grist
mills, tanneries, and a spectacle frame factory that purchased gold from those
who regularly panned in the tributaries of Bean Blossom and Salt Creeks. Four
salt licks have been located by the survey and continuing investigations are attempting
to ascertain possible prehistoric use of these licks.
Since relatively few site records exist for Brown County, this project is primarily
targeting lands currently under cultivation for field reconnaissance to insure
adequate surface visibility. Two local collectors, Jack Weddle and Mark Williamson,
are cooperating by sharing their collections and knowledge of the county. We expect
to obtain additional help from the local land owners and historians to aid in
our research. Surface surveys are also underway to verify informant reports and
private collections are being documented. Surface survey will continue through
Winter and Spring of 1991. [return to 1990 abstracts menu] [return to Glenn A. Black Laboratory List of Publications][return to Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology Home]