Cultural Resources Assessment of Two Possible Shipwreck Locations in the Yazoo River at Belizoni, Mississippi

This report presents the results of research conducted by Coastal Environments, Inc., concerning two possible shipwrecks located in the Yazoo River at Belzoni, Mississippi. These features were identified during three previous remote-sensing surveys conducted along this portion of the river. The Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers now plans to construct two stone dikes in this area, which may impact the possible wrecks. The present research was carried out in an effort to positively identify these features, and, in the event that they were shipwrecks, to assess their eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This research was conducted in partial fulfillment of the Corps of Engineers' responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (PL 89-665), as amended; the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (PL 91-190); the Archaeological and Historical Preservation Act of 197 4 (PL 93-291); and Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987.
The proposed dikes will be located along the right descending bank of the Yazoo River between river mile 117.25 and river mile 117.44 (Figure 1). Construction will extend approximately 250 ft along the bankline and 7 5 ft into the channel.
The present study began with a review of documentary information on shipwrecks located in this area and the results of previous remote-sensing surveys here. Fieldwork was conducted during July 1990 by a crew of three persons, including Charles E. Pearson, Allen R. Saltus, Jr., and Allen R. Saltus, lli. First, a magnetometer survey of the area was carried out in order to relocate the anomalies noted during the previous surveys. This survey successfully relocated the two previously-identified targets. Each of the target locations was then physically examined by diving.