Archaeological / Historical Reconnaissance of a Borrow Pit Tract in Columbus County, North Carolina

In October, 1986, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington conducted an archaeological reconnaissance on approximately 42 acres of a tract proposed for use as a borrow pit in Columbus County, North Carolina (see map). Dr. Thomas C. Loftfield was principal investigator, James Legg and Martin Maestas served as field crew. Approximately 80% of the high ground in the project area consisted of plowed fields. While visibility in most field areas was about 50%, a pattern of 10 foot wide lanes had been freshly plowed throughout the clear areas. These cuts were well washed by recent rains, and provided an excellent sample of the area with 100% visibility of the surface. All clear areas were examined by pedestrian walkover. Wooded areas consisted largely of low ground (perhaps 70%) which showed evidence of having been wet. prior to drainage efforts by farmers. Tests in this previously wet area were more limited. High ground in the wooded areas was examined by shovel testing, each test being 20 by 20 em and excavated to sterile sub-soil. Tests were approximately on 50 ft. centers. Visual examination was also made of several fire breaks and bull-dozer trails that provided excellent surface visibility.

Two very minor sites were located in the area. The first recognized consisted of a few scattered potsherds and a flake exposed in the edge of a field. Eight 20 by 20 em shovel tests and the excavation of two tests, each one meter on a side, recovered three additional sherds, but showed no evidence for subsurface features. All fill was sifted through ~ inch mesh hardware cloth. All six recovered potsherds appear to be fabric marked Hanover series sherd tempered, but the paste contains a significant amount of fine gravel as well (South 1976). The testing revealed that this was a very ephemeral site that holds no additional research potential beyond its having been recorded and the surface collection made.