Cultural Resources Survey of the Wax Lake Outlet Control Weir, Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana, Project.
Abstract
During January and February, 1986, archival, cartographic, historical, oral historical, and archeological research were undertaken to identify the nature and range of variability of expected remains within three segments of the Wax Lake project corridor. On Cypress Island, a former U.S. Naval Timber Reserve, no historic or prehistoric cultural resources were expected or encountered. At Perret Point, on the western shore of Grand Lake, a cypress dragline canal complex was documented; no other cultural resources were found. At the lower tie-in, also on the western margin of Grand lake, no cultural resources were found. Additional survey and testing outside of the project corridor in the vicinity of the lower tie-in resulted in the relocation of the site 16 SMY 37, a prehistoric shell midden site first recorded in 1952. This site is buried below approximately 20 cm of overburden, and no surface remains of that site are present. the site 16 SMY 37 appears to represent a late prehistoric (e.g., Coles Creek period or later) shellfish gathering station; it was almost virtually devoid of artifacts. Shallow, narrow midden deposits there indicate two or three ephemeral episodes of use, rather than periodic utilization or long term habitation. Because of the absence of artifactual or ecofactual remains other than a few Rangia cuneata shells, this site was not viewed as having research potential, or as significant, applying the National Register criteria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA171922
Entities
People
- Kenneth R. Jones
- R. C. Goodwin