Archaeological Survey of Three Land Parcels and Shovel Testing of Four Sites at Camp Bowie, Brown County, Texas

Abstract

Pedestrian survey and shovel testing of three land parcels and shovel testing of four previously identified archaeological sites in Camp Bowie, Brown County, Texas, was performed by the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio during October and November of 2001. This work, conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 2310, was undertaken as a result of recommendations from Wormser and Sullo-Prewitt (2001) following their archaeological survey and site recording efforts. Three areas of Camp Bowie were surveyed and shovel tested. Parcel 1 is 74 acres (30 ha) in extent and 46 shovel tests were excavated in this area. One new site (41BR522) was identified at the northern margin of this survey area. 41BR522 is a small burned rock midden site. Seven additional shovel tests were excavated on this site. One Late Prehistoric projectile point fragment was recovered during shovel testing of 41BR522. Excluding the units on 41BR522, only three shovel tests within Parcel 1 contained subsurface lithics. All of these artifacts represent isolated finds (IF). One additional shovel test had a single animal bone that may not be cultural and is considered an IF. Parcel 2 covers 64 acres (26 ha) and 33 shovel tests were placed within this area. None of the shovel tests in Parcel 2 produced any subsurface archaeological material. Parcel 3 is 62 acres (25 ha) and 43 shovel tests were excavated in this part of Camp Bowie. One shovel test produced two heat-fractured lithics that are not unambiguously cultural in origin. 41BR522 is recommended for additional testing to determine its State Archeological Landmark (SAL) and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility. None of the other areas of the three survey parcels contain cultural resources that are considered SAL or NRHP eligible. In the event of deep or extensive excavation of the alluvial soils in Parcel 1, archaeological monitoring is recommended to identify any potential impacts to resources below the 60 cm depth investigated by this project. Normal military use of this area may proceed without further consultation with the Texas Historical Commission (THC). In response to recommendations by Wormser and Sullo-Prewitt (2001), four previously recorded archaeological sites were revisited (41BR248, 41BR467, 41BR469, and 41BR471). Site 41BR248 could not be relocated. No surface or subsurface artifacts were identified at the plotted site location. Four shovel tests were excavated within the identified site location, but no cultural materials were encountered.