Archaeological monitoring of monitoring well installation, Keen Dip Vat Site, Polk County, Florida

The Keen Dip Vat site (Florida Site File Number 8P0994) is located near the center of Section 33, T3 1S, R30E on the Avon Park Air Force Range in Polk County, Florida . It is the location of an early 20th century homestead and a later cattle dipping station. The site is associated with the Keen family who were active in the cattle ranching industry in Polk and Highlands Counties. The main components of the site are the preserved remains of the dipping station which include a concrete dip vat, loading platform, and drip stand, a concrete water tank, a subterranean foundation, and an above ground concrete structure of unknown function. A unique feature of the dipping station is the inscription of numerous cattle brands into the concrete drip stand, most of which were registered to the Keen family . Wooden corrals and loading chutes as well as artifacts dateable to the early to mid 20th century are also present.