Phase I and II Archaeological Investigations at Shaw Air Force Base and the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range, Sumter County, South Carolina

Phase II Testing of three sites located within the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range (PECR) and Phase I Survey of three selected tracts at Show Air Force Base, South Carolina, was conducted by New South Associates for the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, and the U.S. Air Force, Show Air Force Bose (AFB). Most of the PECR is located in Sumter County's Manchester Township, with the southern end extending into Fulton,
and the eastern edge crossing over into Privateer. The three sites under examination are from north to south, 38SU58, 38SU222, and 38SU191. All three sites were recorded as containing potentially eligible prehistoric components. The testing phase was performed in order to determine the nature and significance of these sites as well as to gather information, which would facilitate the responsible management of these resources. Methods used to evaluate the sites included close interval shovel testing and test unit excavations at locations where artifact concentrations indicated the possible presence of intact cultural components or artifact clusters. Phase II testing at 38SU58 did not suggest a high potential for future research. On the other hand, Phase II testing at 38SU191 and 38SU222 revealed significant intact prehistoric components dating from the Early Archaic, Middle/late Woodland, and Mississippian cultural periods. These sites were evaluated as eligible for nomination to the National Register. Phase I archaeological survey of three selected tracts within Shaw Air Force Base resulted in the revisit/relocation of 38SU250 and the identification of one new site (38SU299). 38SU299 is a small floodplain site situated on the northern bank of long Branch. The presence of a possible midden feature and diagnostic lithic and ceramic material doting to the Middle Woodland and Mississippian cultural periods indicates good research potential. 38SU299 is therefore recommended potentially eligible for nomination to the NHRP. The initial Phase I investigation recommended that 38SU250 should be considered ineligible for nomination to the NRHP (Kreiso et ol. 1997).