Area A-1, Site J (18CH377)

Site 18CH377 is best characterized as an early eighteenth century site containing both Native American and European artifacts. The remains appear to constitute a domestic site, likely associated with a squatter occupation while the land was in escheat. The ethnic affiliation of the site’s inhabitant remains unclear, although the large number of Native American affiliated materials indicates that these individuals may have been in part of Native stock. The site is located 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 1994 study.

During the Phase I survey, a total of 5 shovel test pits (STPs) were initially excavated across the site at 20 meter intervals. Eight additional Phase I STPs were excavated at 10 m intervals around the original positive shovel tests. Due to a potential Late Woodland deposit, and archival evidence suggesting early historic activity at the site, Phase II work was recommended and was conducted later that year.

Intensive Phase II testing involved a total of 28 shovel tests placed at 10 meter intervals. Fifteen of the STPs produced artifacts, some prehistoric artifacts only, some historic, and some both. Four locations were subjected to formal test unit investigations through excavation of 8 test units. Soils were screened through hardware cloth. As a result of the recovery of a trade bead during shovel testing, an approximate 25 percent sample of unit matrix in each level was screened through smaller 0.318 cm (0.125 in) hardware mesh throughout the site.

Two apparent pit features were encountered at the site. A total of 240 prehistoric, or perhaps more accurately Native-made, artifacts were recovered during the Phase II survey. Only three sherds were definitively assigned to diagnostic types; 1 Potomac Creek body sherd with cord wrapped dowel impressed decoration, and 2 Moyaone body sherds. 21 historic artifacts were also recovered. The bulk of diagnostic European-made ceramic types suggest an occupation date in the first half of the 18th century, with the single pearlware fragment either representing an extension of the occupation into the latter part of that century, or an isolated piece of scatter from a nearby site where such materials are more common.

At 18CH377, there appears to be sufficient horizontal integrity to differentiate activity areas. Vertical integrity is suggested strongly by the uniformity of artifact concentrations within the deposit and the presence of features. Thus, Site 18CH377 constitutes a rare and important example of an early 18th century contact period site, a context with great potential to answer questions concerning European and Native interaction in a period of Native assimilation and migration. The site should be considered a significant resource with tremendous research potential.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)