Bay Springs Mill: Historical Archaeology of a Rural Mississippi Cotton Milling Community.
Abstract
This report details an investigation of a 19th century mill community through a combination of archaeological, historical, and oral historical research. The test excavations of selected historical sites produced domestic and industrial debris dating from the mid-19th century through the mid-20th century. To complement the archaeological excavations, historical data were collected and local informants interviewed concerning the mill. Oral data and subsequent additional survey revealed five additional sites near the mill. Excavations were conducted at the cotton mill, general store, and two domestic sites during August and September 1979, and at the five additional sites in February 1980. Materials recovered from the mill site revealed several buildings involved with the storage, processing, and spinning of cotton and wool. No cloth was produced. On the domestic sites no structures were found, although nails and window glass indicated their nearby presence. By combining the archaeological research with the historical and oral historical work done for the village and surrounding area, a much better data base has resulted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA127149
Entities
People
- David F. Barton
- Stephen Poyser
- Steven D. Smith
- Timothy B. Riordan
- William Hampton Adams