Archeological Testing of Sites 41GD113 and 41GD114 in Goliad County, Texas

Russell Greaves

doi:10.21112/ita.2004.1.6

Abstract

Archeological testing of two previously identified prehistoric archeological sites in Goliad County, Texas, was performed by the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Testing examined 41GD113 and 41GD114 to determine their potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and whether they warranted designation as State Archeological Landmarks (SAL) . The work was performed for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on July 24–August 2, 2002. Archeological testing was performed in relation to a proposed highway realignment to avoid the Noble Cemetery currently adjacent U.S. Highway 59. These investigations were conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 2899, with Dr. Raymond P. Mauldin serving as Principal Investigator.

Highlights

A geomorphological assessment of sites 41GD113 and 41GD114 was conducted on July 26, 2002 to determine prehistoric preservation potentials of the late Quaternary alluvial sediments of the Gulf Coast in which the sites were formed
The soil-stratigraphic framework established at site 41GD113 demonstrates a high potential for recovering cultural materials, especially within the Holocene terrace soil
Additional backhoe trenching coupled with radiocarbon assays within the project area may lend further insight into site formation, and clarify the archeological significance of sites 41GD113 and 41GD114

Summary

Introduction

A geomorphological assessment of sites 41GD113 and 41GD114 was conducted on July 26, 2002 to determine prehistoric preservation potentials of the late Quaternary alluvial sediments of the Gulf Coast in which the sites were formed. The project area occurs within the Texas coastal plain and is underlain by the Pleistocene-age Lissie Formation (Barnes 1975). The Lissie Formation is comprised of sand, silt and clay with iron oxides and iron manganese nodules occurring within the weathering zone. Localized zones of massive calcium carbonate and carbonate nodules are present within the upper facies of the Lissie Formation. Sites 41GD113 and 41GD114 occur on the terrace of Perdido Creek, a Holocene-age ephemeral stream. The soils in this area are mapped as Alfisols

Results

Discussion

Conclusion