POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, STARCH, PROTEIN RESIDUE ANALYSIS, AND ARCHAEOCLIMATIC MODELING FOR THE LOWER ARMORY STREET STUDY, HARPERS FERRY NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, WEST VIRGINIA

The archaeology program at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park has uncovered historic and prehistoric deposits at the Lower Armory Grounds. Soil samples, projectile points, and ceramic sherds from these deposits were submitted for pollen, starch, phytolith, and protein residue analyses. In addition, archaeoclimatic models were developed to provide insight into the climatic conditions of both the prehistoric and historic periods. The goal of this research is to better understand the pre-contact period vegetation, climate, and diet of the site occupants. Additionally, pollen analysis of living surfaces was utilized to understand the landscape during the early armory period, prior to the heavy development and alteration of the site in the 1840s.