W-T, CH-J2
18CH156

Introduction

Site 18CH156 is a multicomponent prehistoric site located on the east bank of Nanjemoy Creek. Artifacts and features associated with it suggest it was a seasonal campsite that functioned as an oyster processing station, lithic procurement site, and tool manufacturing area. The archaeology indicated the presence of Late Archaic and Middle/Late Woodland period shell middens and a possible village or hamlet settlement.

Archaeological Investigations

This site was first recorded by Wilke & Thompson in 1977 as a thin scattering of oyster shells confined to plowzone, along with a shell-filled pit eroding out of a bank. MAAR Associates conducted a Phase I survey in 1993, noting three distinct shell deposits in this area, and recommending increasing the recorded size of the site from 100 square feet to an area measuring roughly 615m-x-60m. They found a scatter of seven quartz and quartzite flakes, one hammerstone, and three fire-cracked rocks.

In 1999, Tetra Tech, Inc. conducted Phase II testing at 18CH156. The site was divided into three sections based on oyster shell concentrations. Shovel test pits and units were dug across the site, and shell middens eroding from the creek bluffs were noted.

Excavation uncovered intact pit and hearth features and shell midden, containing ceramic sherds, stone tools, lithic debitage, burnt bone fragments, and fire-cracked rock, as well as one burnt soil sample. Diagnostic artifacts placing site occupation during the Woodland period include Popes Creek, Mockley, Potomac Creek, and possible Rappahannock ceramics. A Late Archaic period Savannah River/Holmes projectile point was also recovered. Historic period artifacts found at the site included whiteware and coal fragments.

Archeobotanical Studies

Three flotation samples were analyzed Justine McKnight, one each from Feature 6 (shell midden), Feature 14-1 (a pit/hearth) and Feature 16-1 (a basin-shaped pit). The samples totaled 33 liters in volume, and produced 20.67 grams of carbonized plant macro-remains (an average density of 0.626 grams per liter). Wood charcoal dominated the site assemblage, with 1,589 fragments weighing 20.53 grams. The native trees oak, hickory, and black walnut were identified. Black walnut shell was present in the shell midden sample. Small quantities of amorphous carbon were also present. The non-carbonized seeds common throughout all of the flotation samples analyzed from 18CH156 are considered to be modern intrusions into archaeological contexts.

Charcoal from Feature 14-1 produced an uncalibrated radiocarbon date of 640+/- 60 BP: AD 1310 (Beta 140959), placing this feature firmly in the Late Woodland period.

References