Archeological Prospection Investigations of the Yarborough Open Site #4 (3NW303) at the Steel Creek Horse Camp in Buffalo National River, Newton County, Arkansas

Between June 5 and 15, 2007, the Yarborough Open Site #4, 3NW303, at the Steel Creek Horse Camp located within the Buffalo National River in Newton County, Arkansas, was investigated with archeological prospection techniques including archeo-geophysics and geoarcheology. The archeo-geophysical techniques included a magnetic survey, a vertical electrical (resistivity) sounding, and a magnetic susceptibility profile in order to evaluate the eastern portion of the site for potential campground modernization. Based on the results of the magnetic survey data, geoarcheological trenches were excavated in a selected portion of the project area. The survey was conducted by the Midwest Archeological Center at the request of the park archeologist. Archeogeophysical anomalies with a potential of being prehistoric features were identified and ground-truthed during the investigations. The archeogeophysical survey results indicated the eastern portion of the site had been highly impacted by the construction of buildings and livestock pens associated with the ranch and by subsequent National Park Service demolition of several of the ranch buildings. A total of 9,200 m2 or 2.27 acres were surveyed during the archeological prospection investigations at the site. Based on both the results of the archeological prospection investigations and geoarcheological backhoe trenching, this site, or this portion of 3NW303 does not meet requirements of criterion D for listing the site on the National Register of Historic Places.