Mason Island II (18MO13)

18MO13 Mason Island II is in a natural levee on the north shore of Lower Mason Island, which is about 39 km above Great Falls, Maryland. The site was originally identified during a systematic survey of archaeological sites along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Monument by R. G. Slattery and reported by Edward McMillan Larrabee. Excavations by Katherine Franklin from 1973-1978 identified the site as a multicomponent Late Woodland village with underlying Early Woodland components. The focus of Franklin’s research, presented in her thesis report, was on the ability to distinguish material remains from separate occupations. Limited test excavations were performed and an official state- approved site report has not been completed. Franklin’s thesis report and original site forms, notes and photographs were used for this database.

Prior to excavation a datum point was established on the north edge of the site. From this point, an east-west datum line was established along the island shore. A one-meter grid system was used based upon the datum point and line. Squares are designated by cardinal directions and distance, in meters, from the datum point starting with zero. A total of 35 one meter square test units were excavated based upon the proportions of pottery types (based on temper) gathered during surface collections. Most of the test units, 25, were between W0 and W8, and from N0 to S6.

Excavated soil was screened through ½” mesh. Some artifacts were collected during excavation without screening. During analysis, to prevent biased results, all artifacts were sifted through ½” mesh. Artifacts smaller than ½” were retained, but not included in the analysis. No artifact catalog has been located, although an approximate count for Feature 1 was tabulated through use of feature forms.

Thirty-two feature numbers were assigned, although only 22 of them were described. These features include trash/midden pits, possible post molds, fire pits/hearths, unidentified features and burials. A total of 9 adult, juvenile or infant burials and associated goods (if any) were discovered. The human remains that were excavated were sent to the Smithsonian Institute. No further details of their analysis could be found. Unexcavated burials were documented and then reburied for preservation and possible future study.

Numerous soil samples were taken for soil analysis and flotation. Results of such tests have not been located. Carbon 14 dating was performed on two features (Features 1 and Features 9). A resulting date of 1040±50 BP was reported for Feature 1. Results of the test for Feature 9 were inconclusive due to insufficient material.

(Written by Annette Cook)