Cultural Resource Management Survey, 1996-1997 Highway Program, PIN 5002.07.121, NY State Route 18F, Lower River Road, Towns of Lewiston and Porter, Niagara County (MCDs 06303 and 6308)

An archaeological, and an architectural survey were performed in advance of plans for proposed improvements to New York State Route 18F, and the addition of a pedestrian walkway. The location of eighteen prehistoric sites within 3.2 kIn (2 mi) of the project area, and its position adjacent to the Niagara River, suggest that the project area is established in an area of high sensitivity for prehistoric resources. The location of the project area adjacent to the Niagara River but away from the escarpment suggests that base camps, special purpose camps and processing sites could all be situated anywhere within the project limits. Only one archaeological site was found, the prehistoric Lindesay Site (SUBi-1705, NYSM #10316), which was recommended for site examination.

The site consists of a high density of lithic material, including chert bifaces and tools, utilized and retouched chert flakes, waste flakes and chert fragments (blocks, shatter).There were no diagnostic materials recovered that could place the site in any particular time period.

There area no structures located on properties within the project area that have been inventoried or are listed on the State or National Registers of Historic Places. Based on historic maps, the project area has two Map Documented Structuress. There are 51 principle buildings and their associated outbuildings adjacent to the proposed project area. Eighteen of these structures are more than 50 years old. Of these structures, 14 are potentially eligible for the National Register. The principle contexts for potential eligibility lies in their association with the early settlement of the project area or in the development of the project area as a summer or tourist destination.