Archaeological Investigations of Two Turn of the Century Farmsteads (38BU966 and 38BU967), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Archeological investigations were conducted at two late nineteenth/early twentieth century farmsteads (38BU966 and 38BU967), on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Work was conducted on 38BU967 in October of 1989, followed almost a year later b¥ excavations at 38BU966 during September 1990. Block excavation proceeded in 10 and 15 em, arbitrary levels, and was controlled by 2 by 2 m excavation units. All fill was screened through 0.25 inch screen. All cultural
material was retained. Samples of sediment were retained from the general midden horizons and from cultural features, and ethnoarchaeological and zooarchaeological analyses were conducted.
A variety of features and artifacts were recovered which suggest that these sites were the domestic residences of small farmers, involved in agriculture, yet making use of the surrounding environment by procuring a variety of wild fauna for
their own consumption. It appears that 38BU966 burned either while still occupied, or shortly afterwards. Whereas, 38BU967 was abandoned and gradual dereliction ensued.