Myrtle Point Site (18ST569)

The Myrtle Point site (18ST569) was the location of short-term resource procurement camps throughout the Archaic and Woodland periods, with the most intensive occupation occurring during the Late Archaic and Late Woodland. There was also a small historic component, likely related to agricultural activities. The site is situated on Myrtle Point, along the lower Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County. It is now part of a county-administered park.

The Archaic and Woodland periods along the Lower Patuxent River were generally characterized by rising populations, increased sedentism, and the exploitation of a wider range of resources. The earliest shell middens in the area date to the Late Archaic. Unlike many other parts of the Chesapeake region, the Late Woodland and Contact periods along the Patuxent were not as strongly marked by political nucleation and status differentiation. European settlement of Myrtle Point had begun by the early 1640s, and the native populations withdrew further up the river.

18ST569 was one of 37 sites identified in 1986-1987 during a Phase I archaeological survey for a proposed residential development. Approximately 142 5x5 m surface collection units were placed across the site, revealing a high concentration of prehistoric artifacts and oyster shell. A majority of the artifacts were lithics, and the distribution patterns suggested that the Late Archaic component clustered in the north-central portion of 18ST569, while the Woodland period occupation was spread across the entire site.

Because the Myrtle Point site could not be avoided during construction, Phase II and III investigations were conducted there from 1987 to 1989. For the Phase II work, 272 10x10m surface collection units were laid across the site. The results indicated that oyster shell was more concentrated on the north side of the site, while lithic debitage clustered on the east side, adjacent to the river. Areas of high artifact density, where features were expected, underwent Phase III investigations involving the mechanical stripping of plowzone from about 5% of the site.

A total of 21 features, 11 of which were cultural, were identified and excavated. Most cultural features were pits, some intentionally dug and others re-purposed tree falls, that were used for roasting and/or refuse disposal. Two historic period ditches were also exposed.

A total of 2,787 prehistoric artifacts were found during the Phase II/III. There were 20 projectile points, with Late Woodland types most common, but examples from every Archaic and Woodland subperiod were present. Of the 157 ceramic sherds recovered, Late Woodland Townsend Series wares were by far the most abundant.

In 1990, a pedestrian survey was conducted at 18ST569, and 16 shovel test pits were excavated there, ahead of construction of a proposed Washington Gas Light Company pipeline. A total of 16 prehistoric artifacts were recovered. Based on the results, no further investigations were recommended for the site.

Four radiocarbon dates were obtained from Myrtle Point features during the Phase III investigations. Three of them, along with artifact evidence, suggest that the primary use of the site occurred between 900 and 1260 AD., the late Middle Woodland and early Late Woodland periods. The fourth radiocarbon date, 210 AD + 90, came from earlier in the Middle Woodland. The site appears to have been a short-term resource procurement camp for quartzite processing during the Late Archaic period and shellfish processing during the Middle and Late Woodland.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)