An Archeological Survey and Site Reassessment along and near South Turkey Creek, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Moore and Potter Counties, Texas

The Center for Big Bend Studies of Sul Ross State University conducted an intensive archeological survey and site reassessment in March 2004, of an area along and near South Turkey Creek in Moore and Potter counties at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. The project, funded by the National Park Service, was conducted prior to the initiation of a prescribed burn to satisfy federal requirements relative to Executive Order 11593 of 1971 and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. A total of 26 sites were evaluated during the course of the project, seven new sites and 19 that had been previously recorded. Twenty-four of the sites contain prehistoric components, while the remaining two sites are the result of historic occupations. Features documented consist of a slab-lined structure and probable storage cist, thermally altered stone concentrations (probable boiling-stone piles), possible hearths, quarried boulders, an unburned quartzite concentration, historic stone concentrations/walls, and a historic petroglyph that may represent a grave marker. Due to a relatively low fuel load consisting primarily of grasses, the upcoming burn should not adversely affect all but one of the sites. The presence of a brush pile adjacent to the possible grave marker necessitates a recommendation for removal of this fuel source prior to the burn. No artifacts were collected during this investigation.

* Contact the Center at (432) 837-8179 or at cbbs@sulross.edu to obtain a photocopy.