A Research Design for Data Recovery at the Huffman Creek Site (16 RA 433), Rapides, Parish Louisiana

Archaeological Data Recovery is planned for the Huffman Creek site (16 RA 433), a multicomponent site in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The excavations are necessary because work related to the development of the Red River Waterway by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will adversely impact this site, which has been determined a significant historical property eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This research design is undertaken to structure the forthcoming data recovery process. It discusses the environmental setting in which the site and study area are situated. The prehistoric culture sequences of the region are also examined, and a historical overview of the area is also provided along with an overview of related previous archaeological work. The site is described, and its known archaeological components are enumerated. Research questions are established for the known occupations of the site and study priorities are set. The organization of the crew conducting the fieldwork is presented, and the scheduling and methods of field investigations are detailed. If human remains are encountered during the excavations, this research design facilitates their study and treatment in relation to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's interpretations and recommendations. Also, concerns of certain Native American groups are expressed in the event Indian burials are found. Finally, this research design establishes a plan for public awareness and participation during the fieldwork.