Phase II Archaeological Testing of the Helmkamp Site (11MS2025) in Support of the Proposed Grassy Lake Pump Station and Associated Ditch Work, Wood River Drainage and Levee District, Madison County, Illinois

Abstract

Abstract : This report documents the findings of Phase II testing of 11MS2O25, the Helmkamp site, in the northern American Bottom in Madison County, Illinois. The legal location of the site, which covers approximately .6 ha (1.4 ac.), is N1/2,SE1/4,SE1/4,SW1/4 and S1/2,NE1/4,SE1/4,SW1/4 of Section 11, T4N,R9W, Madison County, Illinois. Bear Creek Archeology, Inc., Cresco, IA, conducted the testing under contract with the St. Louis Corps of Engineers. A geomorphic investigation found that the site was situated on and buried within a natural levee. Using a systematic surface coupled with 52 bucket augers and 13 1x1 m test units, a light-to-moderate scatter of prehistoric artifacts, and two features were found from the surface to a depth of approximately 120-130 cm. The artifacts and features are associated with four cultural components dating to the Late Woodland, Early Woodland, probable middle to late Late Archaic, and early Late Archaic periods. The two Woodland components have been adversely affected by plowing and other disturbance, and no additional investigations are recommended. The two Archaic components, on the other hand, have greater integrity and contain a moderate scatter of artifacts (including diagnostic points) and cultuial features.