Update on Recent Activities at the Arkansas Archeological Survey’s Henderson State University Research Station in Arkadelphia

Abstract

The Arkansas Archeological Survey’s Henderson State University Research Station (ARAS/HSU) has been active with several small field projects this year, as well as on-going work in the lab. In February and March 2016, Mary Beth Trubitt and Katie Leslie advised Hot Springs National Park personnel on placement of four soil moisture monitors so as to avoid cultural features at 3GA22, a significant novaculite quarry with prehistoric and historic components. In the process, we were able to map additional quarry features, most of which are associated with early twentieth century whetstone procurement. Our fieldwork and documentation resulted in extending the site boundaries. Eight shovel tests were excavated during the park’s installation of soil monitoring equipment. This represents the first subsurface archeological testing at this quarry. The novaculite debris from shovel tests included quarry waste and natural talus, but few flakes and no tools or diagnostic artifacts were found. After analysis of lithic debris, a report was prepared that outlines past research on the site and its significance, and summarizes the results of the project.