Original Report, Paynetown Light Site (12MO193) 1987

This report presents the results of limited test excavations at the Paynetown Light site (12 Mo 193) at Monroe Reservoir, Monroe County, Indiana. The Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology, Indiana University, in contract with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reservoirs, undertook these investigations in order to evaluate the archaeological significance of the site and to assess its eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Previous investigations at the site in 1976 indicated concentrations of rocks below the plowzone. In 1985 lake shore erosion exposed five pit features in the caving bank of the site. This investigation was prompted by continuing impacts to the site in the form of severe erosion and informal recreation activities.

Fieldwork consisted of hand excavation of trenches to assess the integrity of archaeological deposits. Fieldwork was conducted under supervision of the author beginning on October 11, 1986 and continued intermittently until March 29, 1987» Dr. Patrick J. Munson was the Principal Investigator.

This report describes the setting of the project area, previous archaeological investigations, the fieldwork methods used in test excavations, findings, and recommendations. The test excavations demonstrate that the Paynetown Light site was occupied during the Late Archaic Period, and that abundant artifacts, lithic debitage, and carbonized food residues occur in both a dark midden (which extends to 0.7 ft. below the plowzone or 1.2 ft. below surface) and in a variety of pit features. It is recommended that the Paynetown Light site be nominated to the National Register and that steps be taken to halt impacts currently destroying portions of this site.