The site was first identified in 1958 by Henry Wright, but was not substantially excavated until 1987, when it was the subject of the Archeological Society of Maryland annual field school.  These investigations revealed intact Early and Middle Woodland period occupation features overlying stratigraphic horizons containing probable Archaic period cultural deposits.

In 2002, a portion of 18AG8 was identified within the limits of a proposed outfall for a planned sewage treatment plant for the Barton Business Park.  A Phase I archaeological survey conducted within the proposed construction corridor for the outfall included shovel testing and mechanized excavation of two trenches and one 1x2 meter test unit at the southern tip of the site.  Testing identified a possible prehistoric pit feature and intact cultural horizons that likely dated from the Archaic period.

Phase II evaluation was recommended for the portion of 18AG8 that was located within the footprint of the proposed corridor extension.  Testing in 2002 consisted of 59 shovel test pits at closer intervals and 12 additional test units.  Intact cultural deposits were found within the outfall corridor and on the crest and slopes of the T1 terrace.  The Barton II site is comprised of several prehistoric components, including 1) Early Woodland and Archaic period occupations on the crest of the terrace, 2) a Late Woodland period occupation associated with an Ab horizon at the toe of the terrace (eastern margin), and 3) a Late Woodland period occupation associated with an Ab horizon on the margins of a relict flood chute on the western edge of the site.

Three radiocarbon dates were secured on carbon associated with the Ab horizon:

Archeobotanical Studies

Flotation samples from the 1987 excavations were taken from a paleosol recognized in multiple test units, as well as from a pit feature and the level 2 stratigraphic layer.  Analysis was conducted by Roger W. Moeller of Archaeological Services in 1988.  The archeobotanical report is not locatable at this time.  The samples yielded 17 tiny flakes (all chert), pottery crumbs, walnut, and grape seeds.  Non-carbonized pokeweed and locust seeds were also identified.   While the 1987 archeobotanical studies were conducted for the Barton site, details are not available.  These paleoethnobotanical data and radiocarbon dates are not yet integrated into the Maryland Archeobotanical Database.

References

To see table of 12 small flotation samples, go to the Reports section at the bottom of page.