Surratts Road (18PR404)

The Surratts Road Site was identified during a Phase I survey conducted by the State Highway Administration in June and July, 1990. These investigations treated a 60 acre project area proposed as the Surratts Road Truck Training Facility.

Phase I investigations of the site included the excavation of 66 STPs in areas of less than 50% visibility and a surface collection in the cultivated field. All STPs were excavated by natural strata and their soils were screened through hardware cloth. A survey grid was established over the cultivated field. All observed diagnostic artifacts and tools were mapped and collected.

The Phase I investigations resulted in the recovery of 167 prehistoric artifacts. Diagnostic artifacts included 1 Kirk stemmed point, a Stanley point, 2 LeCroy points, a Lackawaxen point, 5 Lamoka points, a Bare Island point, 2 Savannah River points, 4 Piscataway points, and 2 Levannas.

Phase II testing began with establishment of a new grid system and tying in of the Phase I grid to that new system. The agricultural field portion of the site was again subject to an intensive surface collection. Twenty shovel test pits were located in vegetated areas to the north and west of the cultivated field in order to test the extent of the site in these areas. All STPs measured 50 cm in diameter and were hand excavated in natural stratigraphy within 10 cm arbitrary levels. A total of 73 one meter square test units were excavated to complete the Phase II excavations. All STP and test unit soils were screened through hardware cloth. No cultural features were identified.

The Phase II study resulted in the collection of 2,890 prehistoric artifacts. Diagnostic projectile points include 2 St. Albans points, 1 Morrow Mountain point, 2 Stanley points, 6 Savannah Rivers, 2 Lamokas, 3 Brewertons, 2 Bare Island points, 1 Fishtail point, and 10 Piscataway points. Diagnostic ceramic sherds include 10 Accokeek, 2 Townsend sherds, and 1 corn-cob impressed sherd (a decoration associated with the Late Woodland in Virginia). Thirty-three historic/modern artifacts were also collected.

Phase II investigations of Site 18PR404 determined that the portion of the site that was threatened by proposed construction did not have integrity or significant research potential due to the disturbances associated with cultivation. No features, structures, or preserved floral or animal bone remains were identified either in surface or subsurface contexts. However, Phase II testing did identify two potentially significant areas which were outside of the proposed impact zone. It appears that, ultimately, construction did not move forward at this location. Should either of these areas come under threat from future development, Phase II testing is strongly recommended.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)