This report describes archaeological test and data recovery excavations at three prehistoric sites in Mississippi and Craighead Counties in northeast Arkansas sponsored by the Memphis District, Corps of Engineers. Archaeological site studies were carried out in advance of construction of the Buffalo Creek Diversion Canal and were designed to provide detailed evaluation of the sites data content and to develop data recovery plans as necessary.
An intensive survey for prehistoric, historic, and architectural properties within the planned Buffalo Creek Diversion Project, located in Craighead and Mississippi Counties, Arkansas, was conducted in June and July, 1978. The study methods included a review of published literature, a reviews with of county, state, and federal archival sources, a cartographic review, interviews with local informants, intensive field examination, and archaeological analysis of artifact collections. A total of 30 sites were inventoried during the field examination. The cultural resources include prehistoric properties dating from the terminal Paleo-Indian, Early Archaic, Late Archaic, Late Woodland, Early Mississippian, and Middle Mississippian Periods. Nearly all of the historic sites date from the twentieth century, and historic site types recognized include domestic sites, structural ruins, and refuse areas. One distinct housing type was identified in the project area, the linear burgalow. Four sites are considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and all will be severely impacted by the planned project. A range of plans for impact mitigation is developed including avoidance of the sites, in situ preservation, and data salvage.
An intensive survey for prehistoric, historic and architectural resources within the Upper Buffalo Creek Ditch Enlargement PRoject area in northwestern Mississippi County, Arkansas, and southern Dunklin County, Missouri, was conducted in June and July 1979. Study methods included a review of published literature, a review of county, state and Federal archival sources, a cartographic review, interviews with local informants, intensive field examination, and archaeological analysis of artifact collections. A total of 21 sites was inventoried during the survey, two of which were determined to be outside of the project right-of-way. Fifteen sites exhibited prehistoric components, including Late Archaic, Woodland, and Mississipian occupations. Five sites exhibited historic components and three contained architectural components. All of the historic sites appear to be associated with the late 19th and early 20th century. The three architectural sites are related to 20 th century agricultural practices. Two prehistoric sites are considered potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of historic Places. Options for the mitigation of adverse effects on these sites include avoidance of the sites during construction, in-situ preservation, and archaeological data recovery.
Volume I: This report describes archaeological test and data recovery excavations at three prehistoric sites. Volume II: This report describes archeological test and data recovery excavations at the Steele site (3MS351).