PD #4 Site (18PR323)

The PD #4 Site (18PR323) is an apparent Middle and Late Woodland extractive camp with an associated shell midden. It is located within the Patuxent River Natural Resources Management Area in southern Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The site was first identified during a reconnaissance archaeological survey of the middle portion of the Patuxent River conducted by the Maryland Geological Survey in early 1988. The site was found because of the presence of two shell pits which were visible along an eroding bank. One of these pits contained Late Woodland period ceramics. These two pits were designated Feature 1 and Feature 2.

Researchers returned to Site 18PR323 in June of 1988 to conduct more extensive Phase II testing. A total of 13 STPs was excavated. A 2 X 2 meter block unit was excavated over the refuse pit designated Feature 1. Three 1x2 meter trenches were excavated at the bank edge to assess the presence of additional features. Additional 1X1 meter units were excavated to assess site function and chronological representation. A total of 22 square meters was excavated via the larger units.

Four features were documented during the course of fieldwork at 18PR323. Two of these were the shell pits identified during Phase I work (Features 1 and 2). Feature 3 was another shallow pit that intruded into the subsoil, while Feature 4 refers to a small hearth.

A total of 972 prehistoric artifacts were encountered during Phase II testing, mostly flakes. There were two points; one appears to be of the Selby Bay variety, the other is thought to be a Perkiomen Broadspear. Diagnostic ceramics included 33 Riggins sherds (2 rims), 5 Potomac Creek sherds (1 rim), 3 Townsend sherds, and 1 Mockley rimsherd.

None of the components present at 18PR323 can be considered substantial, base camp-type occupations. All were likely specialized extractive encampments, with the emphasis on the procurement and processing of one or more limited sets of resources.

The data in hand obtained from 18PR323 does not unequivocally support the presence of a terminal Late Archaic component at the site. The data available for inferring the function of the Mockley phase component is also limited. Evidence concerning site function for two of the three Late Woodland components is more informative.

Based on the presence of intact features, diagnostic artifacts, and the apparent preservation of multiple occupations beneath thick soil deposits, the site should be considered to have excellent integrity. The site has the potential to answer significant research questions relating to Maryland prehistory and perhaps the contact period.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)