Dow Pines Recreation Area, Hancock, Maine Phase II Archeological Evaluation of Site 75.5
Abstract
A Phase II evaluation of prehistoric archeological Site 75.5 on the northern shore of Great Pond, Hancock County, Maine, was conducted by John Mimer Associates, Inc. The site was identified during an earlier Phase I archeological survey of the Dow Pines Recreation Area under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Air Force. The Phase II evaluation entailed the excavation of 9.5 1 x 1 m test units across the site area. Great Pond was dammed circa 90 years ago for a period of approximately 50 years, raising the water level approximately 10 ft above the current level. Site 75.5 was partially eroded while Great Pond was dammed. Approximately 50 square meters of the site (+/- 8 m diameter) were buried and preserved under beach deposits as the water level in the lake decreased after the dam fell into disuse. The preserved archeological deposits date between AD. 1240 and 1650 - the late Ceramic and Early Contact periods. Debitage flakes and unifacial tools or tool fragments, but no typologically diagnostic prehistoric artifacts, were recovered. The small unifacial tools, fashioned on a variety of non-local materials, are typical of the late Ceramic period in Maine. A possible gunflint made from non-European chert was recovered. Fire-cracked rock from the site resulted from open fires. Calcined (burnt) bone fragments of unidentifiable mammal, beaver, and probably deer bone were recovered chiefly from the beach deposits. The site is situated on a small point of laud anchored to a prominent bedrock outcrop. The site receives the maximum amount of sunlight of any location on Great Pond throughout the year. The site was probably occupied as a convenient stop for small groups traveling op and down the Union River drainage system for hunting, trapping, and other activities. Hides or furs may have been processed on the site. The site is considered not eligible to the National Register of Historic Places.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA392368
Entities
People
- Douglas C. Kellogg