HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.2011ArchPhase IA Archaeological Survey of a
Proposed Animal Shelter Location,
Section 22, T79N-R6W, Johnson County, Iowa
by
Bryan Kendall
Project Archaeologist
Melody K. Pope and Stephen C. Lensink
Co-Principal Investigators
Contract Completion Report
1825
Office of the State Archaeologist
The University of Iowa
Iowa City
2010
Table of Contents
Page
Figures iv
Tables iv
Introduction 1
Project Area Description 1
Archaeological Assessment 2
Recommendations 3
Summary 4
References Cited 5
Appendix I: National Archeological Data Base Form 15
iv
Figures
Figure Page
1. Project location. 7
2. Project area in relation to surrounding topography. 8
3. Project location in relation to mapped soil types. 9
4. Detail map of project area showing subsurface test locations. 10
5. Photographs of project area. 11
6. Photograph of project area. 12
Tables
Table Page
1. Mapped Soil Types of the Project Area. 13
2. Typical Sparta Series Profile. 13
3. Typical Perks Series Profile. 13
4. Typical Spillville Series Profile. 13
5. Typical Waukee Series Profile. 14
6. Previously Recorded Sites within 1km Radius 14
7. Auger Test Soil Profiles. 14
A Phase IA archaeological survey was conducted by the University of Iowa Office of the
State Archaeologist at a proposed animal shelter in Sections 22, T79N–R6W, Johnson County,
Iowa. Site 13JH774 has been previously identified in the eastern half of the project area.
Subsurface integrity within the project area was investigated through the excavation of one
bucket auger test. No cultural material was recovered. The presence of intact subsurface
horizons with a high potential for containing cultural material suggest that a Phase IB
Intensive Phase I survey) archaeological investigation is necessary to determine if cultural
resources are present within the project area and to further define the horizontal and vertical
extents of site 13JH744.
Introduction
The University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) has prepared this report under the
terms of a cultural resource survey agreement between the OSA and the City of Iowa City. This report
records the results of a Phase IA archaeological investigation conducted at the location of a proposed
animal shelter in the SE¼, SW¼, and SW¼, SE¼, of Section 22, T79N-R6W, Johnson County, Iowa
Figures 1, 2). The project area is irregular in shape. The project area surveyed totals .69 ha (1.7
acres).
The purpose of this survey was to evaluate the overall sensitivity of the project area for the
presence of cultural resources. The Phase IA investigation was conducted on December 8, 2010, by
Bryan Kendall, who also served as the project archaeologist. Melody Pope was the project director.
The OSA is solely responsible for the interpretations and recommendations contained in this report.
All records including maps and figures are curated at OSA. The National Archeological Data Base
Form is included as Appendix I.
Project Area Description
REGIONAL
The proposed project is located within the Iowa landform region known as the Iowa-Cedar
Lowland (Figure 1, inset). The prominent lowland occupies a broad expansive area at the confluence
of the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. This landscape evolved from complex glaciofluvial origins during the
Illinoian period of time. It was later shaped by complex alluvial and eolian processes during
Wisconsin and Holocene time. The landscape is characterized by an extensive modern floodplain
composed of thick alluvial deposits with adjacent older terraces and benches that are mantled by
eolian sand dunes and wind-blown loess.
Holocene alluvial valley fills in Iowa are subdivided on the basis of lithology and stratigraphic
relationships into the Gunder, Corrington, Roberts Creek, and Camp Creek members of the DeForest
Formation (Bettis and Littke 1987). Gunder Member alluvium and Corrington Member alluvial fans
may contain Paleo-Indian through Woodland components; Roberts Creek Member deposits may
contain Late Archaic through early historic components; and Camp Creek Member alluvium may
contain buried and unburied historic archaeological components, and may bury older surfaces.
LOCAL
Four soil types are mapped in the project area (Schermerhorn 1983; Figure 3; Table1). The Sparta
series consists of very deep excessively drained soils formed in sandy outwash that has been reworked
by wind (Artz 2005; Soil Survey Staff 2010). These soils are on nearly level to very steep treads and
2
risers on stream terraces in river valleys, outwash terraces, outwash plains, and dune fields. Slope
ranges from 0 to 40 percent. The native vegetation is big bluestem, little bluestem, switchgrass, and
other grasses of the tall grass prairie. Table 2 includes a typical profile exhibited by Sparta series soils.
The Perks series consists of deep, excessively drained, rapidly permeable soils formed in alluvium
on floodplains (Artz 2005; Soil Survey Staff 2010). Native vegetation consisted of cottonwoods,
elms, willows, and some hardwoods. Table 3 includes a typical profile exhibited by Perks series
soils.
The Spillville series consists of very deep, moderately well drained or somewhat poorly drained
soils formed in dark colored, medium-textured alluvium (Artz 2005; Soil Survey Staff 2010).
Spillville soils are on nearly level flood plains and gently sloping footslopes on uplands. Slope ranges
from 0 to 5 percent. The native vegetation is big bluestem, indiangrass, switchgrass, and other grasses
of the tall grass prairie. Table 4 includes a typical profile exhibited by Spillville series soils.
The Waukee series consists of very deep well drained soils that formed in 50 to 100 centimeters of
loamy alluvium or outwash and in the underlying sandy to gravelly alluvium or outwash (Artz 2005;
Soil Survey Staff 2010). These soils are on treads and risers on stream terraces in river valleys and in
outwash areas. Slope ranges from 0 to 14 percent. The native vegetation is big bluestem, indiangrass,
switchgrass, and other grasses of the tall grass prairie. Table 5 includes a typical profile exhibited by
Waukee series soils.
Topographic position of the survey area is an alluvial terrace and floodplain. Ground cover is a mix
of short grass and trees with a surface visibility of less than 10 percent. The project area lies between
two gravel roads extending off of Napoleon Lane. The area roughly measures 120-x-50 m. The Iowa
River is 50 m west of the project area. The proposed animal shelter is situated near the southern extent
of Iowa City.
Archaeological Assessment
METHODS
The records of the Iowa Site File at OSA, the National Register Information System web site
National Park Service 2010), the 1875 Andreas atlas (1970), and Johnson County atlases (Hixson
1930; Huebinger 1900; Thompson and Everts 1870) were reviewed for this survey. The General Land
Office survey map of 1839 was also consulted (Office of the Secretary of State 1979).
Subsurface integrity of the project area was investigated through the excavation of a 20-cm
diameter bucket auger test. The test was excavated in 20-cm levels and screened with ¼-inch
hardware cloth. Test depth extended to 110 cm below ground surface.
RESULTS
Historic maps evidence several residential structures within the proposed project area constructed
between the 1930s and the 1970s and demolished by the onset of the project. One archaeological site
13JK774) is present within the eastern half of the project area (Iowa Site File; National Park Service
2010). Ten previously recorded sites are within a 1 km radius of the project area and summarized in
Table 6. Several previous archaeological surveys surround the project area (Figure 4). Peterson
1997a; R&C# 970352074) included the current project area, but was limited to pedestrian survey.
Peterson (1997b; R&C# 971052500) conducted a Phase I survey that tested the eastern-most .2 acres
of the current project area. Peterson (1999; R&C# 991152032) borders much of the eastern edge of
the project area. Peterson (1997c; R&C# 971052500) is 25 m northwest and Withrow (1998; R&C#
980352074) surveys are 20 m north.
3
Surface visibility was less than 10 percent in the project area. One auger test was excavated near
the center of the project area (Figure 5). No cultural materials were found in the auger test which
exhibited a typical Sparta Series profile. Auger test 1 exhibited 21 cm of a Very dark brown (10YR
2/2) sandy loam over a 19 cm thick dark brown (10YR 3/2) sandy loam AB horizon over a brown
10YR 4/4) loamy sand Bw horizon before transitioning to a light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) fine
sand Bw horizon by 98 cm (Table 7).
Previously Recorded Sites
The current project area is situated to the south of an extensive historic and prehistoric site complex
13JH250) that has previously been recommended NRHP eligible. The historic component of the site
is related to the early historic town of Napoleon. Napoleon was the first Johnson County seat. The
most intensive survey of the prehistoric component of the site (Withrow 1998) recovered over 3,500
artifacts attributed to Archaic, Early, Middle, and Late Woodland, and Oneota cultural affiliations.
Withrow (1998) suggests that the southern boundary of the site has yet to be firmly established.
Additional prehistoric components from sites described below (13JH774 and 13JH743) have both
been suggested as possible continuations of 13JH250.
Site 13JH774, which occupies the eastern half of the current project area as depicted in Figure 4,
was initially identified by Peterson (1997a) by the recovery of flaking debris during pedestrian survey.
The site is interpreted as a prehistoric lithic scatter and modern dump. Subsequent Phase I intensive
testing of the site by Peterson (1999) directly east of the current project recovered additional lithic
material, but failed to encounter any of these materials below the plow zone. The portion of site
within the Peterson (1999) survey was, therefore, not recommended eligible for listing on the NRHP.
Although no determinations of artifact density where included in earlier surveys, it is worth noting that
both test augers positive for prehistoric materials from Peterson (1999) are within 20 m of the current
project area. Aerial photos suggest that the project area has not been plowed since the 1950s and may
be less disturbed by agricultural activities than the portion of 13JH774 tested by Peterson (1999). The
houses constructed within the project area certainly caused some localized disturbance of sediments,
but the test auger excavated during the current survey assessment suggests intact subsurface horizons
are still present among the former house locations.
Site 13JH743 is located ca. 25 m northeast of the project area. The site was identified during
survey (Peterson 1997b) and subsequently underwent Phase II testing (Peterson 1997c). The site is
interpreted as a possible early historic cabin overlying a low density prehistoric Middle Woodland
component. The historic component was excavated completely by Peterson (1997c). The Woodland
component was interpreted as a possible extension of 13JH250. The prehistoric artifacts were
concentrated 40–90 cm below the surface. The site boundaries of 13JH743 to the north and south are
defined by areas of disturbance rather than an absence of artifacts.
Recommendations
A Phase IB (Phase I Intensive Survey) archaeological survey is recommended for the 1.5 acres of
the project area not previously subjected to Phase I intensive survey. The project area is in close
proximity to locations with extensive prehistoric and historic occupation. The auger test conducted as
part of the Phase IA survey suggests that intact soils with a high potential for containing intact
archaeological deposits are still present within the project area. Further testing is necessary to
determine if cultural resources are present within the portions of the proposed project area not
previously surveyed. The southern extents of both prehistoric sites to the north of the project area are
4
not well defined, and may extend into the current area of potential impact. Even though a portion of
13JH774 was not recommended eligible for NRHP, the portion of the site within the current project
area has not been sufficiently surveyed (subsurface auger testing) to make such a determination.
Localized disturbances within the project area relating to former houses and utilities exist. However,
nearby site 13JH743 readily exemplifies an NRHP-eligible property within 5 m of such disturbances.
A minimum of 40 auger tests are estimated to require excavation in order to evaluate the remaining
1.5 acres, inclusive of site 13JH744, at 15 m intervals with subsequent bracketing of positive tests as
required to further map the horizontal and vertical boundaries of 13JH744 within the proposed project
area. Auger depth is likely to average approximately 1.2 m. An artifact density similar to Peterson
1999) would suggest the anticipated recovery of approximately 40 artifacts.
Summary
A Phase IA archaeological survey was conducted at the location of a proposed animal shelter in
Section 22, T76N-R6W Johnson County, Iowa. The .69-ha project area was evaluated for its overall
sensitivity to the presence of archaeological resources. Subsurface integrity was investigated by the
excavation of one bucket auger test. No archaeological materials were recovered from this test and no
historic properties were defined. 13JH774 has been previously recorded in the project area. A phase
IB archaeological survey (Phase I Intensive Survey in the Iowa AIA Guidelines) is recommended
within the area to determine the presence or absence of cultural resources in the probable impact areas
and to define the vertical and horizontal extents of site 13JH744 within the proposed project area. The
Phase I Intensive Survey will require subsurface survey with augers or shovel tests.
No technique is completely adequate to locate all archaeological materials, especially deeply buried
ones. Therefore, should any cultural, historical, or paleontological resources be exposed as part of
proposed project activities, the responsible agency must be notified immediately in accordance with
the Protection of Historic Properties regulations of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation [36
CFR Part 800.13(b)]. If human remains are accidentally discovered, Iowa burial law [Code of Iowa,
Sections 263B and 716.5; IAC 685, Ch.11.1] requires that all work in the vicinity of the finding be
halted, the remains protected, local law enforcement officials notified, and the Burials Program
Director at the Office of the State Archaeologist contacted immediately (319-384-0740).
Archaeologists with the General Contracts Program at the OSA (319-384-0724) and the State
Historical Society of Iowa (515-281-4358 or -8744) are also available to consult on issues of
accidental discovery.
5
References Cited
Andreas, Alfred T.
1970 Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa. Reprinted. State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa
City. Originally published 1875. Andreas Atlas, Chicago.
Artz, Joe A.
2005 Ackmore to Zwingle: Soil Series of Iowa. Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa, Iowa
City. Electronic document, http://www2.uiowa.edu/i-sites/soilseries.htm, accessed November 5, 2010.
Bettis, E. Arthur III, and John P. Littke
1987 Holocene Alluvial Stratigraphy and Landscape Development in Soap Creek Watershed, Appanoose,
Davis, Monroe, and Wapello Counties, Iowa. Open File Report 87-2. Iowa Geological Survey Bureau,
Iowa City.
Hixson
1930 Plat Book of Johnson County, Iowa. W.W. Hixson and Company, Rockford, Illinois.
Huebinger
1900 Atlas of Johnson County, Iowa. Huebinger Survey and Map, Davenport, Iowa.
Iowa Cooperative Soil Survey
1999 Digital Soil Map. Iowa Cooperative Soil Survey, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
http://icss.agron.iastate.edu/data.htm.
Iowa State University Geographic Information Systems Support and Research Facility (ISUGISSRF)
2010 Iowa Geographic Map Server. Iowa State University Geographic Information Systems Support and
Research Facility, Ames, Iowa. Electronic Document, http://cairo.gis.iastate.edu/, accessed December
8, 2010.
National Park Service
2010 National Register Information System, National Register of Historic Places. ParkNet:
http://www.nr.nps.gov/. National Park Service, Washington, D.C. (December 8, 2010).
Office of the Secretary of State
1979 [1839] Land Survey Plat, T79N-R6W. Copies of original land survey plats. State Archives, Bureau of
Library and Archives, State Historical Society of Iowa, Microfilm on file, Office of the State
Archaeologist, The University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Peterson, Cynthia L.
1997a Sand Road Heritage Corridor, Johnson County, Iowa: Archaeology and History of Indian and
Pioneer Settlement. Contract Completion Report 492. Office of the State Archaeologist, The
University of Iowa, Iowa City.
1997b Phase I Archaeological Investigation of the Willow Creek Interceptor Sewer Line, T79N-R6W, City of
Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Contract Completion Report 551. Office of the State Archaeologist,
The University of Iowa, Iowa City.
1997c Phase II Archaeological Testing of Site 13JH743, Napoleon Park, City of Iowa City, Johnson County,
Iowa. Contract Completion Report 563. Office of the State Archaeologist, The University of Iowa,
Iowa City.
1999 Phase I Intensive Archaeological Investigation at a Proposed Public Works Complex in Section 22,
T79N-R6W, City of Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa. Contract Completion Report 677. Office of the
State Archaeologist, The University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Schermerhorn, Edward J.
1983 Soil Survey of Johnson County, Iowa. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service.
Soil Survey Staff
2010 Official Soil Series Descriptions. Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department
of Agriculture. Electronic document, http://soils.usda.gov/technical/classification/ osd/index.html,
accessed December 8, 2010.
6
Thompson and Everts
1870 Combination Atlas Map of Johnson County, Iowa. Thompson and Everts, Geneva, Illinois.
Withrow, Randall M.
1997 Archaeological Investigations at Napoleon Park and the South River Corridor, Iowa City, Iowa. The
Cultural Resource Group, Louis Berger and Associates, Inc., Marion, Iowa.
7
Figure 1. Project location. From ISUGISSRF (2010). Inset after Prior (1991).
8
Figure 2. Project area in relation to surrounding topography. From USGS Iowa City W 7.5’ series
quad map, 1990. Scale 1:24,000.
9
Figure 3. Project location in relation to mapped soil types. From Iowa Cooperative Soil Survey
1999).
10
Figure 4. Detail map of project area showing subsurface test location.
11
Figure 5. Photographs of project area. Upper: facing east toward center of project area. Lower:
facing south toward southern half of project area.
12
Figure 6. Photograph of project area. Upper: facing east auger test location. Lower: facing southern
half of project area facing east from the western boundary.
13
Table 1. Mapped Soil Types of the Project Area.
Soil name Landform Parent Material Native
Vegetation
Typical Pedon
Perks Series flood plain alluvium wooded Ap-C1-C2
Sparta Series terrace outwash tall grass prairie Ap-AB-Bw1-Bw2-E
and Bt
Spillville Series flood plain/footslope alluvium tall grass prairie A1-A2-A3-C
Waukee Series terrace alluvium/outwash tall grass prairie Ap-A-Bw1-Bw2-
2C1-2C2
Table 2. Typical Sparta Series Profile.
Depth
cm)
Horizon Lower
Boundary
Description
0–28 Ap Abrupt Smooth Very dark brown (10YR 2/2) loamy fine sand, dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2)
dry; weak medium subangular blocky structure; very friable; many fine roots;
moderately acid.
28–38 AB Clear Wavy Dark brown (7.5YR 3/2) loamy fine sand, brown (7.5YR 5/2) dry; weak coarse
subangular blocky structure; very friable; common fine roots; moderately acid.
38–86 Bw1 Gradual Wavy Brown (7.5YR 4/4) fine sand; weak coarse subangular blocky structure; very
friable; few fine roots; moderately acid.
86–183 Bw2 Gradual Wavy Brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) fine sand; single grain; loose; moderately acid.
183–203 E and Bt N/A About 85 percent light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) fine sand (E); single grain;
loose; moderately acid; lamellae of strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) loamy fine sand
Bt), 0.3 to 0.6 centimeters thick, less than 15 centimeters in cumulative
thickness; weak fine subangular blocky structure; very friable; few faint brown
7.5YR 4/4) clay bridges between sand grains; moderately acid.
Table 3. Typical Perks Series Profile.
Depth
cm)
Horizon Lower
Boundary
Description
0–22 Ap Abrupt Smooth Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loamy sand, grayish brown (10YR 5/2) dry;
weak fine granular structure; very friable.
22–52 C1 Gradual Smooth Yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) sand; single grained; loose.
52–150 C2 N/A Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) sand; single grained; loose; few strata of fine
sand.
Table 4. Typical Spillville Series Profile.
Depth
cm)
Horizon Lower
Boundary
Description
0–51 A1 Gradual Smooth Black (10YR 2/1) loam; weak very fine granular structure; very friable.
51–91 A2 Gradual Smooth Black (10YR 2/1) loam; weak very fine granular structure; very friable.
91–137 A3 Gradual Smooth Black (10YR 2/1) and very dark brown (10YR 2/2) loam; weak very fine
granular structure; very friable.
137–200 C N/A Dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) loam; massive; friable; common fine distinct
dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) redoxomorphic concentrations; common fine
faint very dark gray (10YR 3/1) redoxomorphic depletions.
14
Table 5. Typical Waukee Series Profile.
Depth
cm)
Horizon Lower
Boundary
Description
0–20 Ap Abrupt Smooth Black (10YR 2/1) loam, very dark gray (10YR 3/1) dry; weak medium
subangular blocky structure; friable; common very fine and fine roots; common
very fine tubular pores; neutral.
20–46 A Clear Smooth Very dark brown (10YR 2/2) loam, dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) dry; weak
fine and medium subangular blocky structure; friable; common very fine roots;
common very fine tubular pores; neutral.
46–61 Bw1 Clear Smooth Brown (10YR 4/3) loam; weak fine and medium subangular blocky structure;
friable; few very fine roots; common very fine tubular pores; common faint
discontinuous dark brown (10YR 3/3) organic coats on faces of peds;
moderately acid.
61–84 Bw2 Clear Smooth Brown (10YR 4/3) loam; weak coarse subangular blocky structure; friable; few
very fine roots; common very fine tubular pores; common faint discontinuous
dark brown (10YR 3/3) organic coats on faces of peds; moderately acid.
84–122 2C1 Gradual Smooth Yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) loamy sand; single grain; loose; about 10 percent
mixed gravel; moderately acid.
122–203 2C2 N/A Yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) sand; single grain; loose; few fine distinct brown
7.5YR 4/4) redoximorphic concentrations; about 10 percent mixed gravel,
slightly acid.
Table 6. Previously Recorded Sites within 1 km Radius
Site Distance (m) Area (m2) Site Type Description
13JH250 80 53500 habitation European American town and prehistoric habitation (Archaic, Early,
Middle, and Late Woodland, and Oneota)
13JH251 380 6800 mound Woodland; 1–2 mounds
13JH292 515 3000 scatter prehistoric
13JH293 480 1600 camp prehistoric
13JH716 175 87500 habitation historic farm
13JH743 60 300 habitation historic farm
13JH774 0 36700 scatter prehistoric scatter with modern dump
13JH970 65 4900 scatter historic dump
13JH1093 490 300 isolated prehistoric; single biface
13JH1339 650 400 habitation European American town
Table 7. Auger Test Profile
Auger
Test
Depth
cm)
Horizon Lower
Boundary
Description
1 0–21 Ap Abrupt Smooth Very dark brown (10YR 2/2) sandy loam; fine granular structure; friable.
21–40 AB Clear Smooth Dark brown (10YR 3/2) sandy loam; friable; weak structure.
40–98 Bw1 Clear Smooth Brown (10Y 4/4) loamy sand; weak friable; weak structure.
98–110 Bw2 N/A Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) fine sand; friable.
15
Appendix I
Database Doc Number: ________
National Archeological Data Base - Reports: Data Entry Form
1. R and C #:
2. Authors: Bryan Kendall
Publication Date: 2010
3. Title: Phase IA Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Animal Shelter Location, Section
22, T79N-R6W, Johnson County, Iowa
4. Report Title: Contract Completion Report
Volume #: Report #: 1825 NTIS:
Publisher: Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa
Place: Iowa City, Iowa
5. Unpublished
Sent from:
Sent to:
Contract #:
6. Federal Agency: FCC
7. State: Iowa
County: Johnson
Town: Iowa City
8. Worktype: 31
9. Keyword: 0-Types of Resources/Features 1-Generic Terms/Research Questions 2-
Taxonomic Names 3-Artifacts Types/Material Classes 4-Geographic
names/Locations 5-Time Periods 6-Project name/Study Unit 7-Other Keywords
1.7 acres [ 4 ] Lower Iowa River basin [ 4]
Iowa-Cedar Lowland [ 4 ] [ ]
10. UTM Zone: 15 Easting: Northing:
16
15 Easting: Northing:
15 Easting: Northing:
15 Easting: Northing:
11. Township: 79N
Range: 6W
Other Publication Types
12. Monograph
Name:
Place:
13. Chapter
In: First: Last:
14. Journal
Volume: Issue #: First: Last: ISSN:
15. Dissertation
Degree: PH.D. LL.D. M.A. M.S. B.A. B.S. Institute: ____________
16. Paper
Meeting:
Place:
17. Other
Reference Line:
18. Site #: 13JH774
19. Quad Map #: Iowa City W 1990