Agenda 11-16-2021; 8-c - Approval of Interlocal Agreement Renewal and Master Plan - Little River Regional Park and Natural Area

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24 Cultural/Archaeological Resources Three cultural/archaeological resource surveys were \ •x .� , conducted on the Little River Park property by Legacy Research Associates, Inc. The first,a cultural resource survey for a selected area of the 391 acres was conduct- ed in 2001 prior to the development of the park. The second,in 2003,was an archaeological test of a poten- tial cultural site(identified in the 2001 survey)that was located within the area for the proposed entrance road +for the park. The final survey(2009)was a follow up to the 2001 survey,conducted to determine the signifi- cance of several sites identified in 2001. The 2001 survey was commissioned by Orange County - V with the purpose of identifying areas of cultural sig- - - •, nificance that should be preserved prior to the cre- ation of a site plan for the park. Twelve new sites were identified during the survey,two previously recorded sites were revisited,and two isolated finds of cultural material were recorded.Of these,there were three large of the work was to assess the historic significance of prehistoric scatters that are relatively rare in this region the sites,to determine the relationship between them, and recommended for further study.The other small and to provide recommendations for site protection prehistoric sites and multi-component scatters were and interpretation. Individually,according to the report, not judged worthy of nomination the National Regis- these sites do not meet the criteria for NRHP eligibility. ter of Historic Places (NRNP). In addition to the further Together, however,they could be eligible for the NRHP work at the three sites mentioned,this report recom- as an Archaeological District as examples of agricultur- mended that two of the prehistoric sites were judged to al,domestic,industry(milling),and transportation ac- be deserving of protection through avoidance. tivities in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.The report recommends several possible methods of public inter- The 2003 archaeological testing done in the area of pretation of these four sites.These include providing a the proposed entrance road was based on findings of historic context of the area,adding historic information the 2001 survey.The 2003 test was of only one identi- to the park's website, posting interpretative signs at the fied site of potential significance and was conducted sites,creating a historic archaeological tour of the sites, to ensure the construction of the entrance road was or creating a brochure for park patrons describing these appropriately placed in the site plan.The survey found sites,their significance,and how the area surrounding this site contained an unknown prehistoric lithic com- these prior settlements has been relatively unchanged ponent and a late 19th-to-20th century historic artifact since they were in use. scatter comprised of glass and ceramics,very likely associated with the abandoned Laws farmstead nearby. Additional historic elements in the park that have not The survey concluded that the portion of historic com- been assessed include a former public roadbed dating ponent that fell within the proposed road development back to the early 1900s that parallels the hiking trail in area was extensively disturbed, not unique, had limited the southern portion of the property.The public road information potential,and did not meet the criteria for shows up on the earliest NC Department ofTransporta- eligibility for the NRHP. tion map for Durham County dated 1920.There are also remains of an additional former home site adjacent to The 2009 cultural resources survey was commissioned the road,which is presently unassessed.Further assess- by Durham County to follow up on four sites identified ment may provide interesting and valuable information in the 2001 survey.These included two house sites,a for park interpretation. mill site,a seasonal spring with minor fieldstone en- hancements,and an historic river crossing.The purpose 12 Little River Regional Park&Natural Area Master Plan