Archaeological Needs Assessment for Dyess Air Force Base, Taylor County, Texas

A review of the archaeological investigations that have been undertaken at Dyess Air Force Base (AFB) and in the broader Taylor County area was completed to determine if additional archaeological investigations are warranted at the installation. To date, surveys and other investigations on the installation have inventoried approximately1,463 acres of the 6,400 acres within the boundary of Dyess AFB. These acres represent the majority of the undeveloped land within the base. A total of eight sites was identified during those investigations; none was determined eligible for listing in the National Register. As a result of this review, no recommendations are made for additional archaeological investigations. The upland setting of all but the one remaining channel of Little Elm Creek has low potential for the presence of sites that would be eligible for inclusion in the National Register. Additionally, disturbances from agricultural terracing and military construction have compromised the integrity of the soils. Finally, the rechannelization of Little Elm Creek has compromised any cultural materials that may have once been present. Recommendations are provided for inadvertent discoveries and for additional consultation with federally recognized tribes.