Area A-1, Site D (18CH374)

Site 18CH374 (Area A-1, Site D) is a prehistoric short-term camp or lithic scatter northeast of the town of Indian Head in Charles County, Maryland.

The site was originally investigated as part of a large Phase I survey in 1994 prior to the onset of site preparation and construction for the Chapman’s Landing development. Numerous archaeological sites (both prehistoric and historic) were identified as a part of the study.

During the Phase I survey, a total of 13 shovel test pits (STPs) were excavated across the site. Shovel tests were spaced at 20 meter intervals, with selective retesting of culturally positive STPs at 10 m intervals. Eight of the 13 STPs produced artifacts. Seventeen lithic flakes were recovered from the site. The main concentration was located at the north end of the site.

Researchers returned to the site later that year to conduct Phase II testing. Phase II evaluation included a systematic shovel testing of the site in order to more carefully define the horizontal and vertical distribution of different quantities and categories of artifacts. Shovel tests were placed at 10 meter intervals. Soils were removed by natural strata and screened through hardware cloth. A total of 27 shovel tests were excavated. Six of the STPs produced artifacts.

Based upon the numerical concentrations and types of artifacts recovered during the Phase II intensive shovel testing, as well as data gathered from the Phase I investigation, three locations were subjected to formal test unit investigations. The three test units measured 1 X 1 m, and were excavated to a minimum of 10 cm into sterile subsoil or to a minimum of 5 cm into fragipan in non-agrading soil deposits. Soils were removed by arbitrary 10 cm levels following natural stratigraphy and were screened through hardware cloth. A total of 231 prehistoric artifacts were recovered.

The horizontal distribution of artifacts shows a higher concentration in the northernmost portion of the site. The low density of artifacts thoughout most of the site suggests limited prehistoric activity.

Vertical artifact concentration was mainly confined to the A2 horizon. Below this stratum, the artifact concentration drops off significantly. This indicates that some degree of vertical integrity has persisted, despite evidence for soil deflation. However, the absence of diagnostic artifacts and the low level of material limits the site’s research potential. Consequently, Site 18CH374 is unlikely to provide significantly more information than that obtained through Phase II study. The site is best characterized as a limited activity/short-term encampment, utilized mainly as a locus for secondary reduction of cobbles that probably were tested along the streambed to the south, with its encampment along the northern edge of the site overlooking the wide drainage to the north. It is not a significant resource for understanding Maryland prehistory.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)