20211041 Ver 1_Ashe 273 No NRHP sites_20210804

NO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
PRESENT FORM
This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not
valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the
Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project No: B-4016 County: Ashe
WBS No: 33384.1.2 Document:
Programmatic Categorical Exclusion or
Categorical Exclusion
F.A. No: Funding: State Federal
Federal Permit Required? Yes No Permit Type:
Project Description: Replace Bridge 273 on SR 1347 (Teaberry Rd.) over Big Horse Creek in
Ashe County. Area of Potential Effects (A.P.E.) includes three alternatives on new location.
Design plans provided.
SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Archaeology Group reviewed
the subject project and determined:

There are no National Register listed ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES within the project’s
area of potential effects. (Attach any notes or documents as needed.)
No subsurface archaeological investigations were required for this project.
Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources.
Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources
considered eligible for the National Register.
All identified archaeological sites located within the APE have been considered and all
compliance for archaeological resources with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project.

Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:
see attached report (Smith 2017)
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
See attached: Map(s) Previous Survey Info Photos Correspondence
Other:
Signed:

CALEB SMITH 2/14/2017

NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST Date
15-03-0006
“NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT OR AFFECTED
form for Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
1 of 1
Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Replacement
of Bridge No. 273 on SR 1347 (Teaberry Rd.) over Big Horse Creek,
Ashe County, North Carolina
(NCDOT TIP B-4016; ER 02-8495; PA 15-03-0006)

By Caleb Smith, N.C. Department of Transportation
February 2017
Introduction
Bridge No. 273 is located on SR 1347 (Teaberry Rd.) at the southwest edge of the community of
Lansing in north-central Ashe County, approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) northeast of Jefferson
(Figures 1-2). The bridge is located in a narrow creek valley with steep slopes on each side. It is
oriented southwest-northeast but is considered north-south for this description.

The Area of Potential Effects (A.P.E.) includes three alternatives for the proposed bridge
replacement, all on new location (Figures 3-4). Alternative 1 is located approximately 136 meters
(447 ft.) south of the bridge, and extends from NC 194 west to SR 1347. Alternative 2 is located
approximately 23 meters (77 ft.) north of the bridge, extends from NC 194 southwest to a new,
north-south road that would connect SR 1347 and “H” Street. Alternative 3 is located
approximately 46 meters (146 ft.) south of the bridge, and extends from NC 194 west to a new,
north-south road that would connect SR 1347 and H Street.

This project was first proposed in September 2001. The State Historic Preservation Office (HPO)
recommended no archaeological survey for the project on January 23, 2002 (ER 02-8495). In
October 2002, the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) submitted three alternatives for the
project, and HPO had no comment on December 20, 2002. In December 2004, the NCDOT
submitted a Categorical Exclusion document for the project. In November 2006, the NCDOT
submitted information about another alternative, and HPO recommended an archaeological survey
on January 10, 2007.

In response to the HPO recommendation, NCDOT archaeologists Megan O’Connell and Caleb
Smith conducted an archaeological survey in March 2007. The A.P.E. at that time included three
alternatives (labeled Areas A, B and C on Figure 5). The survey identified two archaeological sites
(31AH289/289** and 31AH290) along the west side of Big Horse Creek. The project’s funding
was removed before the results could be reported. The project was revived in March 2015 (as
Programmatic Agreement [PA] project # 15-03-0006). Almost all of the A.P.E. for the current
project was covered by the 2007 archaeological survey (see Figure 5). In 2015, five additional
shovel tests were excavated to the northwest of the 2007 Area A. This report describes the results of
both the 2007 and 2015 archaeological surveys.
Background Research
Background research included the examination of historic maps and a review of previous
archaeological work in the vicinity. Historic map sources include United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA [1912]), North Carolina State Highways and Public Works Commission

Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 1: Location of the project area in Ashe County.
2
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 2: Location of the project area (USGS Park, Grassy Creek, Warrensville, and Jefferson 1:24,000-scale topographic maps).
3
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 3: Topographic map showing the locations of the 2015 alternatives (USGS Park and
Warrensville 1:24,000-scale topographic maps).
4
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 4: Aerial photograph showing the locations of the 2015 alternatives.
5
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 5: Aerial photograph showing the locations of the 2007 Areas and the 2015
alternatives.
6
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006
(NCSHPWC [1938]), a 1956 aerial photograph (courtesy of the North Carolina Geological Survey
[NCGS]), and the 1966 edition of the topographic map. A brief summary of the history of the
community of Lansing was found at the “Explore Lansing” (2017) webpage.

Historic maps show that there has been a bridge or crossing of Big Horse Creek in the vicinity of
the project area since as early as 1912 (USDA 1912). This map does not show any structures in the
vicinity, but it does show a railroad under construction within or adjacent to the A.P.E. The railroad
is labeled the “Virginia and Carolina Railroad (Proposed)”. The 1938 highway map (NCSHPWC
1938) shows “Lansing Pop. 267,” the completed railroad, and what appears to be SR 1347. There is
not enough detail to determine much about the project area, but there appear to have been a number
of structures along both side of the road. The railroad is named the “Norfolk and Western Railway.”
The 1956 aerial photograph shows SR 1347 in what appears to be its current location. The
resolution of the aerial photograph is not large enough to identify specific structures, but there
appear to be several structures along the road. The road that would become NC 194 is visible, as is
the railroad bed. The 1966 edition of the topographic map shows the railroad, the bridge, and SR
1347. There are several structures along the road.

A review of previous archaeological work in the area found that some of the A.P.E. may have been
included in the project area described by Gheesling et al. (1979). That project was a survey of the
proposed wastewater treatment facility along Big Horse Creek south of Lansing. The survey area
consisted of 50 acres along Big Horse Creek including the current project area (Gheesling et al.
1979: Figure 1). The project area is not described very well and the location maps and diagrams are
not much help. The report describes the project area as both sides of Big Horse Creek northwest
from the proposed treatment plant. The treatment plant was to be located east of “NC County Road
1347” (SR 1347) on a wooded slope extending to the creek (Gheesling et al. 1979: 7). We presume
that the treatment plant is the one that is located at the south end of the 2007 project (Area C). The
survey may have consisted of auger tests in the floodplain and cutting profiles along the creek bank.
These revealed up to five feet (1.5 meters) of very fine light brown sandy silt, with gradually
increasing clay content towards the bottom. No archaeological sites were identified.
Archaeological Field Survey
Area A
Area A consisted of an area at the north end that measured approximately 137 meters (449 ft.)
north-south and 64 meters (210 ft.) east-west (Figure 6). The area included the existing bridge 273
and land on both sides of Big Horse Creek. The northern boundary of Area A was the parking lot of
the Country House Restaurant located on NC 194. It extended from there south for approximately
150 meters (492 ft.). This area also included parts of 2015 Alternatives 2 and 3. Additional field
survey was conducted along the northwest side of Area A in August 2015.

No shovel tests were excavated along the east side of Big Horse Creek in Area A. The narrow
landform on that side consisted of a slope from the creek uphill to NC 194. The east side of the
creek on the north side of Bridge 273 is a narrow stretch of land between the creek and the Country
House Restaurant (Figure 7). This area is disturbed by an underground water line (it is visible
where it crosses the creek). The east side of the creek on the south side of the bridge is occupied by
an old railroad grade which is now a gravel road. Figure 8 shows the old railroad grade and some
kind of foundation, retaining wall, or abutment next to it. This could have been a foundation for a
railroad-related building. It could also be the remains of the pre-NC 194 road bed.
7
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

ST 1
ST 2
ST 3
ST 4
ST 5
31AH289/289**
Area A
Country House
Restaurant
Bridge 273
Old railroad
grade
NC 194
ST 18
ST 20 ST 22
ST 21
Spring
house
foundation
ST 19
Figure 6: Aerial photograph showing shovel tests excavated in 2007 Area A and in 2015.
Figure 7: North view of the north end of Area A (in 2007).
Bridge 273
Water line
Restaurant
Old RR bed
Old RR bed
8
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

The railroad bed is the remains of the Abingdon Branch of the Radford Division of the Norfolk and
Western Railway, also called the Virginia-Carolina Railway, and nicknamed the “Virginia Creeper”
(McGuinn 2008:1). The rail line extended from Abingdon, Virginia for approximately 76 miles to
Elkland (future Todd), North Carolina. The line was completed in segments between 1900 and
1915. The 1912 soil map (USDA 1912) shows the line under construction, and the 1938 highway
map shows the completed railroad. According to the “Explore Lansing” (2017) website:

“The Virginia-Carolina Railroad (later owned by Norfolk & Western) was constructed
through Ashe County in 1914 to 1916 and had a significant impact on the growth of
Lansing. The tracks ran roughly north-south through Lansing, parallel to South Big Horse
Creek Road / NC Highway 194. A railroad schedule from May 1915 shows that Lansing did
not have a depot or a regular stop. The stops listed skip from Tuckerdale, north of Lansing,
to West Jefferson, several miles to the south. However, by September 1916, the Lansing
Depot was a regular stop. The train departed Lansing at 10:33 a.m. on its southbound run to
Elkland (now Todd) and again at 2:10 that afternoon on its return northward to Abingdon,
Virginia. The one-story frame depot was located across the street from the 9300 Block of
NC Highway 194, at a site near where the Volunteer Fire Department now stands. The depot
was typical of those built all along the “Virginia Creeper” line and is said to have been
brought to Lansing in pieces from Virginia in 1920. Prior to this, train tickets were sold from
an old box car located on the siding near the future site of the depot. The siding at Lansing
accommodated seven cars. In 1926, hardware store owner Henry Gentry became the depot
agent; it is not known who operated the depot before this time. Lester Duncan and Carl
Carter were subsequent agents. The depot was demolished in 1982.” (The website references
McGuinn [2008:21, 37] and Mike Powers, “The Lansing Depot,” Mountaineer Heritage,
Vol. 4, [Jefferson, NC: Northwest Ashe High School 1983], 26.)
Figure 8: South view of the old railroad bed and foundation remains (?) in Area A (in
2007).
Old RR bed
Foundation?
NC 194
9
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 9 is a photograph of the project area when the train was active (Explore Lansing 2017). We
are not sure of the date of the photograph, but the bridge appears to be the Bridge 273 that exists
today. Bridge 273 was not constructed until 1960. The red barn in the background is still standing
in 2017.

The landform on the west side of the creek is a gently- to moderately-sloped floodplain/ terrace
/ridge toe (Figure 10). In 2007, three shovel tests (STs 1-3) were excavated at a 30-meter (100-ft.)
interval in the front yard of a residence along the west side of SR 1347 (see Figure 6). Table 1
describes all of the shovel tests and artifacts collected during this project. These shovel tests
identified site 31AH289/289**. ST 1 was placed at the north end of the yard, approximately 5
meters (16 ft.) south of a driveway, 5 meters (16 ft.) west of SR 1347, and 30 meters (100 ft.)
southwest of Bridge 273. It did not contain any artifacts. STs 2-3 were placed 30 and 55 meters
(100 and 180 ft.) south of ST 1, each 5 meters (16 ft.) west of SR 1347. Both contained one
prehistoric artifact and several historic artifacts. Two shovel tests (STs 4-5) excavated 15 meters
(50 ft.) south and north of ST 2 contained several more historic artifacts. The five shovel tests were
placed in an approximately north-south line. There wasn’t much room to the west because of the
residence located approximately 30 meters (100 ft.) west. The land on the east side of SR 1347,
between it and the creek, appeared to be an unstable, frequently-flooded area, so no shovel tests
were excavated there.

Figure 9: Photograph of the project area (circa-1960?) showing the active
railroad (Explore Lansing 2017).
10
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

The soils consisted of brown silty loam over yellowish brown silty clay. The depth of the soil
varied from shovel test to shovel test. Coal cinders were found in the soil in ST 3 between 12-25
centimeters (5-10 in.) below surface. A layer of what appeared to be fill dirt was found in ST 4
between 18-51 centimeters (7-20 in.) below surface. These kinds of anomalies are common in
residential yard settings due to utility work, gardening, landscaping, etc. The Ashe County soil
survey describes the soil as Colvard fine sandy loam next to the stream, and Ashe gravelly fine
sandy loam (25-65% slopes) on the ridge toe. Colvard fine sandy loam is a level, well-drained soil
found along major streams. Ashe gravelly fine sandy loam is a somewhat excessively drained soil
found on side slopes.

The artifacts included one prehistoric artifact, a meta-volcanic lithic reduction (tertiary stage) flake
recovered from ST 2. Historic artifacts were recovered from STs 2, 3, 4 and 5. These included nails
(wire and cut), flat (window) glass, various bottle glass, white earthenware ceramics, and stoneware
ceramics. Most of the historic items have a wide manufacturing date range, and are commonly
found at late nineteenth- to middle-twentieth century sites.

In 2015, Alternatives 2 and 3 showed additional impacts to the north of the 2007 Area A. In August
2015 additional shovel tests were excavated along the west side of the creek to the north of the
bridge. Five shovel tests (STs 18-22) were excavated on the north side of the driveway to the house
(Figure 11). ST 18 was placed approximately 30 meters (100 ft.) north of ST 1 (excavated in 2007),
5 meters (16 ft.) north of the driveway, 10 meters (33 ft.) west of “H” Street, and 25 meters (82 ft.)
west of Bridge 273. It contained several historic artifacts similar to those found in STs 2-5.

Figure 10: Southwest view of Area A on the west side of the creek showing the shovel
tests (site 31AH289/289**) in 2007.
Bridge 273
31AH289/289**
SR 1347

11
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006
Table 1: Description of Shovel Tests.
Shovel
Test
Description Artifacts
2007 Area A (Site 31AH289/289**)
1 0-20 cm brown silty loam; 20-28 cm yellowish brown clay
loam.
-
2 0-72 cm brown silty loam; 72-77 cm yellowish brown clay 1 meta-volcanic bifacial thinning flake; 5 white
earthenware ceramics; 5 wire nails; 4 flat (window)
glass, 3 bottle glass (light green, clear, straw-colored);
1 melted glass; 1 chimney lamp glass
3 0-38 cm brown silty clay; 38-50 cm yellowish brown clay
loam; coal cinders between 12-25 cmbs
1 wire nail; 1 staple; 1 clear bottle glass
4 0-18 cm brown silty clay loam; 18-51 cm disturbed fill
(brown, gray and yellowish brown with cinders and brick
fragments); 51-57 cm brown silty loam
1 flat (window) glass, 1 clear bottle glass; 4
unidentified nails, 1 tack
5 0-30 cm brown silty loam; 30-51 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
1 lead-glazed stoneware; 1 flat (window) glass; 1
alkaline-glazed stoneware; 1 blue-and-gray stoneware;
1 wire nail; 1 cut nail
2015 Alternatives 2 & 3 (Site 31AH289/289**)
18 0-30 cm very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silty loam; 30-
40 cm yellowish brown (10YR5/6) silty loam; (possible fill
layer at 15 cmbs?)
3 wire nails; 1 clear bottle glass; 1 white-ware
ceramic; 1 lightbulb base (?)
19 0-28 cm very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silty loam;
eroded
1 white-ware ceramic; 1 quartz flake
20 0-10 cm very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silty loam; 10-32
cm yellowish brown (10YR5/6) silty loam; dry, eroded soil;
some burnt wood in the soil
10 large wire nails; 1 quartz flake; 1 dark (Ridge and
Valley?) chert projectile point fragment
21 0-10 cm humic layer; 10-34 cm very dark grayish brown
(10YR3/2) silty loam; 34-44 cm yellowish brown (10YR5/6)
silty clay; dry, mottled soil
-
22 0-43 cm very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silty loam; 43-48
cm yellowish brown (10YR5/6) silty clay
-
2007 Area B (Site 31AH290)
6 0-9 cm dark brown silty loam; 9-27 cm gravel/coal cinders;
27-60 cm dark brown silty loam
-
7 0-40 cm brown silty sand; 40-55 cm grayish brown silty sand;
55-75 cm light brown silty sand
-
8 0-51 cm brown silty loam; 51-61 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
2 meta-volcanic tertiary flakes; 1 light gray chert
tertiary flake
9 0-52 cm brown silty loam; 52-62 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
2 light gray chert tertiary flakes; 1 dark gray (Ridge
and Valley?) chert secondary flake; 1 light gray chert
projectile point base (stemmed?)
10 0-49 cm brown silty loam; 49-61 cm grayish brown silty
loam; 61-68 cm yellowish brown silty clay
2 quartz tertiary flakes; 1 meta-volcanic tertiary flake
General
Surface
1 quartz tertiary flake, 1 gray chert tertiary flake
11 0-47 cm brown silty loam; 47-52 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
-
12 0-38 cm brown silty loam; 38-48 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
-
13 0-38 cm brown silty loam; 38-46 cm yellowish brown silty
clay
-
2007 Area C
14 Fill? (yellowish brown silty clay with lots of gravel) -
15 Fill? (yellowish brown silty clay with lots of gravel) -
16 0-95 cm brown silty loam -
17 0-85 cm brown silty loam -

12
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

ST 19 was placed in a pasture approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) northeast of ST 18 and 5 meters (16
ft.) west of H Street. The landform was near the base of a hill that slopes gradually up to the west.

The soil in most of the pasture shovel tests was mottled, dry, and hard-packed. ST 19 contained one
white-ware ceramic and one prehistoric quartz flake. ST 20 was placed in the pasture
approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) northwest of ST 19, 10 meters (33 ft.) southwest of H Street, and
20 meters (66 ft.) southeast of a barn. The soil appeared to be eroded and disturbed (pasture), with
burnt wood mixed in with the soil. It contained 10 large wire nails, a quartz flake, and a dark gray
chert (Ridge and Valley?) projectile point/knife fragment. ST 21 was placed in the pasture
approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) northwest of ST 20, 10 meters (33 ft.) southeast of the barn, and 10
meters (33 ft.) southwest of H Street. The soil was dry and mottled (pasture), and it did not contain
any artifacts. ST 22 was placed approximately 30 meters (100 ft.) southwest of ST 21 and 20
meters (66 ft.) south of the barn, on a narrow, level bench on the hillside (Figure 12). The soil was
not as eroded as the other STs in the pasture. No artifacts were recovered.

As mentioned above, shovel tests 1-5 were excavated in the front yard of a home in 2007. We are
not sure of the construction date of the home, but it appears to be a somewhat modern style (1950s-
1960s?). The architectural survey report for this project (Higgins 2015:Table 1) evaluated this
property as “Site #7: Houses, Barn and Outbuildings at 3665 and 3667 Teaberry Rd.” The property
was recommended not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and was not
included in the Lansing Historic District located a short distance to the northeast. (Bridge 273 is
included in the Lansing Historic District.) The 1966 topographic map shows two occupied
structures in this vicinity, as well as an unoccupied structure near the barn (or, it is the barn?)
Figure 11 : Northwest view of 2015 shovel test area (site 31AH289/289**).
ST 18
H Street
13
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

The survey identified the foundation of what appears to have been a “spring house” located a short
distance northeast of the present home, along the north side of the driveway (Figures 13-14). The
foundation measures 3.1 meters (10 ft.) long north-south by 2.5 meters (8 ft.) east-west. It appears
to have been a well-constructed spring house lined with stone and some cement block. It has steps
going down into the spring. It may have been both a source of water and a place to keep food items
cool.

Site 31AH289/289** is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The site consists of a scatter of
prehistoric and historic artifacts located along the west side of Big Horse Creek. The prehistoric
artifacts include lithic reduction flakes and fragment of an unidentified projectile point or knife.
The site is located on a level, elevated landform near water, an attractive place for a prehistoric
campsite. The shovel tests did not identify any artifact concentrations or evidence of cultural
features. Scatters of lithic reduction flakes are very common and can offer little additional
information about the prehistory of this area. The historic artifacts are domestic and structural items
including ceramics, bottle glass, nails and window glass. The site is located in the front yard of an
occupied house and in a pasture. Several of the shovel tests in the front yard show some
disturbances from residential landscaping, utility lines, etc. The soils in the pasture appear to be
eroded and disturbed. The shovel tests did not identify any evidence of cultural features. It is
difficult to determine whether the historic artifacts are associated with a structure formerly at this
location, or if they are secondary refuse. There is not enough integrity to determine their origin.
However, the presence of the spring house foundation indicates there was probably a previous
residence somewhere in this vicinity.
Figure 12: West view of 2015 shovel tests.
ST 22 ST 21
ST 20
14
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 13: North view of the spring house foundation.
Figure 14: East view of the spring house foundation.
15
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006
Area B
Area B consisted of an area immediately south of Area A that measured approximately 87 meters
(286 ft.) north-south and 104 meters (342 ft.) east-west (Figure 15). The area included land on both
sides of Big Horse Creek between NC 194 on the east side and SR 1347 on the west side. This area
also included what would become 2015 Alternative 1. No additional field survey was conducted.
As in Area A, no shovel tests were excavated along the east side of Big Horse Creek in Area B. The
narrow landform on that side consisted of a slope from the creek uphill to NC 194 (Figure 16).

The landform on the west side of the creek is a gently- to moderately-sloped floodplain/ terrace
(Figures 17-18). In 2007, four shovel tests (STs 6-9) were excavated at a 30-meter (100-ft.) interval
in the back yards of two residences along the east side of SR 1347. (See Table 1 for a description.)
These shovel tests identified site 31AH290. Several more shovel tests (STs 10-13) were excavated
at a shorter (15-meter [50-ft.]) interval.

ST 6 was placed at the north end of Area B, approximately 5 meters (16 ft.) west of Big Horse
Creek and 5 meters (16 ft.) east of SR 1347. It did not contain any artifacts. A thick layer of gravel
and burned coal/slag was in the soil 9-27 cm (4-11 in.) below surface. STs 7-9 were placed 30, 60
and 90 meters (100, 200 and 300 ft.) south of ST 6. ST 7 was located in a garden area behind a
house, approximately 10 meters (33 ft.) west of the creek and 10 meters (33 ft.) east of the house.
Modern refuse was scattered around the garden area, including charcoal and fireplace ashes. No
artifacts (modern refuse discarded) were recovered from the shovel test.
Old railroad

31AH290
Area B
NC 194
Ditch/stream
ST 6
ST 7
ST 8
ST 9 ST 10
ST 11
ST 12
ST 13
Figure 15: Aerial photograph showing shovel tests excavated in 2007 Area B.
16
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 16: North view of the east side of Area B (in 2007).
Old railroad

NC 194
Figure 17: North view of the west side of Area B and 31AH290 (in 2007).
31AH290
17
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

ST 8 was located in a plowed garden area in the backyard of a trailer home, approximately 20
meters (66 ft.) west of the creek and 25 meters (82 ft.) east of the trailer. The shovel test contained
4 lithic reduction flakes (2 meta-volcanic, 2 chert). ST 9 was placed at the south edge of a garden
approximately 25 meters (82 ft.) west of the creek and 10 meters (33 ft.) north of a drainage ditch.
It contained 3 lithic reduction flakes (2 gray chert, 1 dark gray chert) and one gray chert projectile
point/knife fragment. It appears to be the base of a stemmed projectile point. Four additional
shovel tests (STs 10-13) were excavated at a 15-meter (50 ft.) interval around the positive shovel
tests. ST 10 was placed approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) west of ST 9, approximately 10 meters (33
ft.) east of a trailer home and 15 meters (50 ft.) north of the drainage ditch. It contained three lithic
reduction flakes (1 meta-volcanic, 2 quartz). ST 11 was placed approximately 15 meters (50 ft.)
west of ST 8, between a plowed garden area, a shed, and garage. It did not contain any artifacts.
ST 12 was excavated in a garden approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) north of ST 8 (between ST 7 and
8), 15 meters (50 ft.) west of the creek, and 30 meters (100 ft.) southeast of a house. It did not
contain any artifacts. ST 13 was placed in a plowed garden approximately 15 meters (50 ft.) north
of ST 10 (between ST 10-11), 10 meters (33 ft.) east of the trailer home. It did not contain any
artifacts. Two lithic reduction flakes (1 quartz, 1 gray chert) were recovered from the surface of the
plowed garden area.

The soil in all eight shovel tests consisted of approximately 50 centimeters (20 in.) of brown silty
loam over yellowish brown silty clay. As mentioned above, gravel and coal/slag was found in the
soil in ST 6.

Site 31AH290 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The site consists of a scatter of prehistoric
lithic reduction flakes and a fragment of a projectile point/knife located along the west side of Big
Figure 18: Southwest view of the west side of Area B and 31AH290 (in 2007).
31AH290
18
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006
Horse Creek. The site is located on a level, elevated landform near water, an attractive place for a
prehistoric campsite. The shovel tests were excavated in the plowed gardens behind two residences.
The shovel tests did not identify any artifact concentrations or evidence of cultural features.
Scatters of lithic reduction flakes are very common, and additional work would not provide much
additional information about the prehistory of this area.
Area C
Area C was located approximately 85 meters (280 ft.) south of Area B. It measured approximately
41 meters (134 ft.) north-south and 141 meters (463 ft.) east-west (Figure 19). The area included
land on both sides of Big Horse Creek between NC 194 on the east side and SR 1347 on the west
side. None of the 2015 alternatives are located within this area. Area C included a narrow strip of
level floodplain on each side of Big Horse Creek, so shovel tests were excavated along both sides.

The landform on the west side of the creek is a narrow strip of floodplain between the creek and the
slope up to SR 1347 (Figure 20). The floodplain is approximately 40 meters (131 ft.) wide. There
is a wastewater treatment facility (?) located along the south side of Area C (Figure 21). In 2007,
two shovel tests (STs 14-15) were excavated at a 30-meter (100-ft.) interval in the floodplain. (See
Table 1 for a description.) Both shovel tests contained yellowish-brown, gravelly fill. It is possible
that both shovel test locations have been disturbed by the construction of the wastewater treatment
facility. As mentioned above, it is possible that this area was included in the survey for the
wastewater treatment facility (Gheesling et al. 1979).

Area C
NC 194
Old railroad
grade
Wastewater
treatment
plant?
ST 14
ST 17
ST 16
ST 15
Figure 19: Aerial photograph showing shovel tests excavated in 2007 Area C.
19
Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

Figure 21: South view of the wastewater treatment plant in Area C in 2007.
Figure 20: East view of the west side of Area C in 2007.
NC 194
Big Horse Creek
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Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006

The landform on the east side of the creek is a narrow strip of floodplain between the creek and the
slope up to NC 194 (Figure 22). The floodplain is approximately 40 meters (131 ft.) wide, and the
rest of the area is the slope up to NC 194. A greenway cuts through the narrow floodplain in two
places. The greenway on the east side, at the base of the slope up to NC 194, appears to be the old
railroad bed described in Areas A and B. In 2007, two shovel tests (STs 16-17) were excavated at a
30-meter (100-ft.) interval in the floodplain. (See Table 1 for a description.) The soil in both shovel
tests was well-drained floodplain soil (brown silty loam) to a depth of 90 centimeters (35 inches)
below surface. No artifacts were recovered from either shovel test.

Summary and Conclusions
The NCDOT conducted an archaeological survey for the proposed replacement of Bridge 273 on
SR 1347 over Big Horse Creek in March 2007 and in August 2015. The March 2007 fieldwork was
conducted for a previous bridge replacement plan whose funding was removed before an
archaeological survey report could be completed. The project sat in the archaeologist’s office until
it was revived in a slightly different configuration in 2015. The 2007 project areas (A-C) included
most of the three alternatives proposed in 2015, except for a small area along the northern end. This
area was surveyed in August 2015. The 2007 survey had identified two archaeological sites
(31AH289/289** and 31AH290). The 2015 survey extended the boundary of 31AH289/289**
slightly to the north. Both sites are recommended ineligible for the NRHP and no further work is
recommended.
Figure 22: South view of the east side of Area C in 2007.
Old railroad
bed
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Project Number
B-4016; PA 15-03-0006
References Cited
Explore Lansing
2017 http://www.explorelansingnc.com/history-gallery/lansing-town-history.html. Website
accessed on February 9, 2017.

Gheesling, Frank A., Rob L. Jacobs, Patrick H. Garrow, and Jana Kellar
1979 Archaeological, Botanical, and Wildlife Survey: Proposed Wastewater Treatment Facilities,
Lansing, North Carolina. Project Number ES-1269. Earth Systems Division, Soil Systems,
Inc., Marietta, Georgia.

Higgins, S. Alan
2015 Historic Architectural Resource Survey Reconnaissance Report: Replace Bridge No. 273 on
SR 1347 (Teaberry Rd.) over Big Horse Creek, Ashe County, North Carolina. (NCDOT TIP B-
4016). Report prepared for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh, North
Carolina. Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc., Richmond, Virginia.

McGuinn, Doug
2008 The Virginia Creeper: Remembering the Virginia-Carolina Railway. Self-published by the
author, Boone, North Carolina.

North Carolina State Highways and Public Works Commission (NCSHPWC)
1938 Highway Map of Ashe County, North Carolina.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1912 Soil Map of Ashe County, North Carolina.

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