Cultural Resources Survey, Testing, and Exploratory Trenching for the Louisiana State Penitentiary Levee Enlargement Project, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
Abstract
2The results of a Phase I cultural resources survey and a Phase II National Register testing program within the proposed levee enlargement at Louisiana State Penitentiary, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana are presented. The survey was conducted from March to June of 1998, and the testing from August to November of 1998. An area of 1,499 acres (607 ha) was examined during the survey. The survey area consisted of 12.1 miles (19.4 km) of existing levee that encircles the penitentiary compound, and 702 acres of borrow areas and haul roads between the Mississippi River and the Tunica Hills. A total area 54.51 acres was reexamined during the testing phase of fieldwork. The Phase I survey examined 31 archaeological sites, one of which was previously recorded, and two standing structures. Phase II National Register testing was latter carried out at three sites, 16WF30, 16WF121, and 16WF122, in to assess their eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Two sites, 16WF121 and 16WF122, are considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Site 16WF121 possesses late nineteenth century postbellum plantation components. Site 16WF122 consists of plantation components dating from the early nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. Both sites contain intact deposits that can provide information on the evolution of Mississippi River plantations. Avoidance or data recovery is recommended at these sites. Additional testing was recommended at site 16WF131, a prehistoric site possessing Coles Creek, early Mississippi, and early historic components, for which eligibility could not be assessed with the present data. NRHP testing was not conducted at that locale as it will not be affected by the proposed construction project. The remaining archaeological sites and two standing structures examined during the recent investigations are considered not eligible for listing on the NRHP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA387997