Agenda - 11-05-2003-8h - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~ A. BACKGROUND RESEARCH The background research for the cultural resource survey will be initiated by conducting a thorough review of state and local survey data prior to beginning fieldwork. These include the site inventory and National Register fifes at the North Carolina Division of Archives and History in Raleigh, and, if relevant, records at the North Carolina State Library. Local county records will include An Inventory of Cultural, Historical, Recreational, Biological,, and Geological Significance in the Unincorporated Portions of Orange County, the Historic Preservation Element of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan and the Orange County ERCD research files. Many Orange County resources are familiar to Legacy researchers through previous projects in the area (Joy and Becker 1999; Stine and Joy 2001), as well as that by other researchers. Previous work will provide data on known resources in and around the survey area; as well as the environmental and cultural perspectives necessary for interpreting the survey results. The background research phase of the project will also include consultation with the SHPO. The background research will begin with a review of the state files at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (OSA) and the SHPO at the North Carolina Division of Archives and History to gather detailed information on the archaeological and architectural sites previously recorded in or adjacent to the study area. Preliminary examination of OSA files indicates that there are no previously recorded archaeological sites in or adjacent to the project area. At least one historic property is located within the project area, the Vincent House and associated outbuildings (OR 846). The ca. 1950s former elementary school will be evaluated for historical significance. In general, however, the project is located in a portion of Orange County that has not received intensive archaeological investigation. Any sites discovered during this survey will add important information to our knowledge of the prehistory and history of the region. Based on previous work in the county it is expected that the majority of prehistoric sites will be situated on ridges within approximately one kilometer of main drainage channels as well ~as ridge toes near the head of ephemera) tributaries (Joy and Becker 1999; Stine and Joy 2001). The background research will also include examination of historic documents and maps to collect data on other potential site locations. County histories and early maps of the area will be utilized to assist in .documenting the Vincent~House (OR 846) and any other historic properties or roads. Documents focusing. on the history of the Cedar Grove community will provide an important context for interpreting potential historic sites in the survey area. B. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS Survey areas will be inspected with surface reconnaissance and subsurface shovel testing. Past experience has indicated that surface survey is effective only in situations where 50% or more of the ground surface is visible and where there is no potential for buried (and thus obscured) archaeological resources. It is not effective in areas where less than 50% of the surface is exposed, or in places where alluvial or colluvial soil deposits are likely to be present. This survey will focus on the Vincent House (and, outbuildings) and the area proposed for fiacilities construction. Subsurface shovel testing will be accomplished adjacent to all buildings, wells; and other above-ground features within the Vincent House property. Any concentrations of cultural material noted on the surface will be duly investigated.