Site Testing at Darrow (16AN54), Marchand to Darrow Levee Enlargement andConcrete Slope Pavement Mississippi River Levees, Ascension Parish, Louisiana

摘要

The Darrow site (16AN54), located in the community of Darrow, Ascension Parish,Louisiana, consists of the remains of a portion of the community that was destroyed by a 1932 Mississippi River levee setback. The site encompasses approximately 1.4 acres. NRHP test excavations at the Darrow site consisted of backhoe trenches and three 1m hand excavation units guided by proton magnetometer survey and historic map evidence. Excavations revealed the presence of three distinct hidden deposits. The deposits represent an occupation span beginning just after the Civil War and ending just prior to the construction of the new Darrow levee in 1932. Moreover, the two nineteenth century midden deposits seem to be functionally different based on the types of artifacts recovered from them. Also, the presence of intact features at the site was established. These included a linear brick feature and the remains of a razed chimney. Because the Darrow site possesses the quality of integrity as demonstrated by the test excavations, and because it possesses further research potential (Criterion D), it is recommended as being eligible for nomination to the NRHP. It is further recommended that data recovery be undertaken in that portion of the site to be impacted by the proposed levee enlargement and concrete slope pavement construction. This data recovery program would mitigate the adverse impacts to intact deposits located within the area to be impacted by construction.