Old House Site Inventory Evaluation

The Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Branch (NREAB) at Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) directed JMA (John Milner Associates, Inc.), as a subcontractor of EDAW, Inc., to undertake an investigation of 50 locations identified by Silverthron (n.d.). The Silverthorn (n.d.) survey provides a baseline for historic occupations on Silverthorne study of house sites on the Guadalcanal portion of MCBQ. This un dated survey shows the locations of aboveground historic resources (farmsteads, stores, cemeteries) that were identifiable in the mid-twentieth century (Silverthorn n.d.). The purpose of the investigation was to assist MCBQ in managing their cultural resources.
NREAB selected 50 Silverthorn locations. Several locations where within restricted areas or within locations where Phase I archeological investiations were planned. JMA consulted with NREAB an alternative locations were selected.
Fieldwork at each location included a walkover, identification of surface features, judgmental metal detection, and judgmental shovel testing. Shovel testing were limited to obtaining a sample of artifacts allowing a determination of the age of occupations of the site, along with indications of site function.
Site boundaries will be identified based on landform, vegetation, cultural features, 1937 aerial photographs, and shovel tests.
A VDHR DSS site form were completed on all locations where cultural resources were identified.
JMA recorded 51 archeological sites. One site (44ST1025) is within one of the areas where a formal Phase I investigation was undertaken. However, during the Old House Inventory fieldwork a previously unknown historic farmstead (44ST1014) was discovered. JMA recorded this site and completed VDHR DSS form for it.
The properties are organized by archeological site number followed by Silverthorn designation. References and cartographic information are included at the end of each summary.