Archaeology and History of the Ray Roberts Lake Area of Northcentral Texas, 1850-1950

Abstract

Abstract : Archaeological investigations of historic resources at Ray Roberts Lake were conducted by personnel from the Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas in 1986 and 1987. These investigations involved the documentation of ten farmsteads in previously unsurveyed areas (Chapter 6), test excavations of 23 farmsteads (Chapter 7), and intensive excavations at 20 farmsteads (Chapter 8). Among the research conducted at these farmsteads were archival, oral history, and architectural documentation, dendrochronology of log structures, and excavation. Archival and oral-history research provided data on farm ownership, farm size, dates of occupation, and family life. Architectural documentation yielded information on building construction methods, materials, age, and function, while dendrochronological data provided information about possible cutting-construction relationships, building re-use, and available building materials. Survey and testing data were obtained to determine eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places for all historic farmsteads scheduled for limited testing, testing, or which were identified during the 1986-1987 survey. Following testing, all farmsteads determined eligible for the National Register received intensive excavations. These excavations included recovery of data from sheet refuse and feature deposits. Farmsteads occupied during the historic period in the Ray Roberts Lake area date from the late 1840s or early 1850s to the present, offering data necessary to investigate changes in rural lifeways and adaptations over the last 140 years