Finding Aid, Franklin County Mounds State Recreation Area 1977

The Mounds State Recreation Area, Franklin County, in Brookville, Indiana required an archaeological assessment as determined by federal law. The proposed project included the construction of a campground, associated buildings and 1.73 miles of new roadway. The total project area included approximately 260 acres. However, because of their physical undesirability, 80 acres were discounted from having prehistoric or historic significance.
The archaeological field reconnaissance of the project area was completed between November 22 and December 4, 1977 under the direction of Ronald Hicks at Ball State University. The area was divided into six survey sections (Sections A-F) based on established roads and fences. Intensive shovel probing was utilized given the heavy vegetation of the area.
Archaeological reconnaissance and reporting in Fairfield Township, Franklin County, Indiana, has been an on-going process for the last 100 years. The results of this archaeological survey were totally negative in reference to prehistoric sites in the proposed project area and possible project areas as outlined by the area survey, and while the literature search provided immense information, interviews with people familiar with the area did not provide any additional information. However, it is noted that two intermittent streams arise within the area. Since reconnaissance work elsewhere in southern Indiana has indicated a high probability for seasonal occupation in such places, crews should be alert for possible buried occupation material not located by this reconnaissance. In addition, because the complex of historic structures found in section E is in the immediate project area, it is suggested that a further investigation be made into the identity and significance of the stone-foundation building (Hicks and Cox 1977).