Phase I Archaeological Survey of 4,147.1 acres, and Phase II Site Evaluations at 8HG24, 8HG767, and 8PO3405, Avon Park Air Force Range, Polk and Highlands Counties, Avon Park, Florida

In 2004, Headquarters Air Combat Command (HQ ACC) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey and Phase II evaluations at three previously documented sites within the boundaries of Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR). Between January 5, 2004 and February 27, 2004, a pedestrian and shovel test survey was completed of approximately 4,147.1 acres (1,678.3 ha) in the central part of the property. The acreage was stratified as high, medium, and low probability areas, as defined by a previously prepared predictive model. High probability areas comprised 551.8 ac (223.3 ha), or 13 percent of the total acreage; medium probability areas comprised 1,714.5 ac (693.9 ha), or 41 percent of the acreage; and low probability areas comprised 1,880.8 ac (761.2 ha), or 46 percent of the acreage. In total, 5,236 shovel test pits were excavated at varying intervals within these survey areas. The Phase I survey resulted in the identification of five new sites: Clark’s Point (8HG1094), Lost Crew (8HG1096), Seaboard Airline Railway (8HG1095/8PO6785), Big Drink (8PO6782), and Stalking Gator (8PO6784). In addition, supplemental data was recorded for one previously identified but undocumented site, Zechiel Bell (8PO6783). Of the sites documented in the survey, two—Seaboard Airline Railway (8HG1095/8PO6785) and Zechiel Bell (8PO6783)—are recommended potentially eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These sites should be avoided or subjected to further testing to evaluate eligibility. The remaining sites—Clark’s Point (8HG1094), Lost Crew (8HG1096), Big Drink (8PO6782), and Stalking Gator (8PO6784)—are recommended not eligible to the NRHP. Subsequently, between March 1, 2004, and March 26, 2004, Phase II evaluations were conducted at the three previously recorded sites—Sandy Hill Turpentine Camp (8HG24), Big Jahn (8HG767), and Scrub Jay (8PO3405). The work included detailed mapping, the excavation of nineteen 1 m x 2 m test units, the collection of three soil columns for special analysis, and laboratory analysis of all recovered artifacts. Based on the evaluations, the Sandy Hill Turpentine Camp (8HG24) and the Scrub Jay Site (8PO3405) are recommended eligible for nomination to the NRHP. The Big Jahn Site (8HG767) is recommended potentially eligible to the NRHP.