MACROFLORAL ANALYSIS AT SITES 46KA352 AND 46KA548, WEST VIRGINIA

Macrofloral samples were examined from features, post molds, and areas of unit fill
uncovered during Phase III excavations at the Willow Bluff site (46Ka352) and the Holley Lawn
site (46Ka548) in western West Virginia. These sites were excavated as part of the Marmet
Lock Replacement Project. A total of 69 samples were examined from 46Ka352, representing
late Early Archaic, Late Archaic, and Woodland occupations of the site. Site 46Ka548 is
represented by eight samples from Late Archaic and Woodland components. Macrofloral
analysis is used to provide subsistence information concerning plant resources utilized by the
prehistoric occupants of these sites. Although macrofloral samples were submitted only from
prehistoric contexts, many of the samples contained uncharred seeds typical of historic food
resources. It is likely that these remains were introduced from historic occupations at the sites.
The historic component of 46Ka352 is believed to represent “a residential site for African
American slaves that worked in the Reynolds’ salt manufacturing operation” during the first half
of the 19th century (William D. Updike 2002:108). A total of 16 historic post molds were
identified at 46Ka548. Incidental recovery of probable historic food resources also lends insight
into foods eaten by the historic occupants of the sites.