POLLEN AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AT THE MAXON RANCH SITE, 48SW2590, WYOMING

The Maxon Ranch site (48SW2590), located along the south-southwestern flank of Miller
Mountain at an elevation of 2225-2285m (7300-7500 ft.), contained evidence of four occupations.
Excavations in 1984 by Western Wyoming College yielded evidence of four cultural components
ranging in age from at least 7000 years ago to the Late Prehistoric. Radiocarbon ages obtained
from several isolated pit features, as well as two semi-subterranean habitation structures, ranged
from 6480 ± 90 (Cultural Component I) to 1140 ± 100 BP (Cultural Component IV).
Current data recovery excavations surrounded a hearth that was dated to 4730 ± 70 BP
during the 1999 WCRM testing. Floated light fractions from the fill of several features at the Maxon
Ranch site were examined for macrofloral remains to provide information concerning plant
resources that were utilized. Several pieces of groundstone also were washed for pollen and
starches to determine plants that might have been processed using these tools. Soil controls were
collected with the groundstone.