20221768 Ver 1_Attachment D - TRC Archelogical Bost Road Draft Report_20221214

TRC
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED
BOST ROAD SEWER PROJECT,
BURKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DRAFT REPORT
TRC ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
July 2022

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED
BOST ROAD SEWER PROJECT,
BURKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DRAFT REPORT
ER 22-0438
Submitted to:
MERRICK & COMPANY
301 South McDowell Street, Suite 300
Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
By:
TRC ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
705 Dogwood Road
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Authored by:
Michael Nelson and Tasha Benyshek
July 2022

ABSTRACT
TRC Environmental Corporation (TRC) has completed an archaeological survey for the proposed Bost
Road Sewer project in Burke County, North Carolina (ER 22-0438). The project includes two alignments
(Original and Overland) that largely overlap and together measure approximately 2,817 meters (1.75 miles);
the easements are 50 ft (15 m) wide and include the proposed permanent and temporary corridor easements.
The field survey was conducted from June 23—July 1, 2022, was directed by Michael Nelson, and required
14 person days to accomplish. The survey included the excavation of 125 shovel tests (including delineation
tests), as well as inspection of eroded and disturbed surfaces. Both alternatives for the project cross the
Catawba River and traverse an old golf course west of the river and cross the Catawba Meadows
Recreational Park east of the river. Both alignments parallel St. Marys Church Road near North Green
Street, and this area is substantially developed and was not surveyed (per the Office of State Archaeology
[OSA]). North of that area, the Original and Overland alignments diverge along St. Marys Church Road
and the Original alignment continues north along that road in the area of the McDowell House/Quaker
Meadows Plantation (31BK148) and turns east in the area of the Burke County Fairgrounds, while the
Overland alignment turns east south of the McDowell House property and runs along a drainage/gully on
the west side of a large parking lot; the Overland route then turns east across the southern edge of an active
tree nursery primarily following a dirt and gravel access road. The Overland alignment then turns north
along the nursery field and Bost Road and joins the Original alignment north of a small unnamed drainage.
Both alignments include a section west of Bost Road, and this area is also within a tree nursery.
There has been no prior systematic archaeological survey within the project alignments, although a
previously recorded prehistoric site (31BK174) is mapped within the project boundaries (both alternatives)
that was discovered by observation of surface artifacts during a survey in 1990 (Robinson 1990); that site
contained lithic and ceramic artifacts, but is unassessed for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)
eligibility. The area of 31BK174 (as mapped at the OSA) within the project area is now located within a
golf course and has been subjected to moderate to heavy landscape modification, and no evidence of the
site was found within the survey limits; there is some evidence that suggests the site is north of the location
as mapped at OSA.
In addition, one alternative (Original) is directly adjacent to the NRHP listed McDowell House/Quaker
Meadows Plantation, which is recorded as archaeological site 31BK148 and historic resource BK0010
(Robinson 2004, 2008; Robinson and Moore 1992). The McDowell House was built ca. 1812 (Bishir et al.
1999) and was acquired by the Historic Burke Foundation in 1986 and is now a museum. Several ancillary
buildings still stand on the site along with a reconstructed kitchen. The Original alignment is approximately
50 m from the McDowell House itself, which faces St. Marys Church Road. Artifacts were discovered
associated with the site within the project corridor along St. Marys Church Road.
TRC recommends avoidance of the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) area; 16 of
the shovel tests excavated along St Marys Church Road yielded a variety of 19t"-20t" century artifacts (e.g.,
brick, ceramics, glass, nails); if the site cannot be avoided by selection of the alternative Overland route,
additional testing will be necessary to assess the deposits within the project area and it is probable that
mitigation efforts would be necessary if the site were to be impacted. The corridor alignment in this area
partially overlaps a foundation remnant that is likely mid-20t' century that may be a contributing resource
to the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (Robinson 2008).
Last, the survey resulted in the identification of two new prehistoric archaeological sites (31BK589 and
31BK590) (Table i.1). The two newly discovered resources lack the integrity, artifact density, and/or site
clarity that would allow them to produce substantial information concerning the prehistory of the area. TRC
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recommends these two resources not eligible for the NRHP and recommends no additional archaeological
investigation at these locations. If the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) is
avoided, no further archaeological investigations are recommended for the Bost Road Sewer project as
currently designed.
Table i.1. Archaeological Sites Identified or Relocated by the Bost Road Sewer Project Survey
NRHP Eligibility
Site Component Recommendation
31BK148 (McDowell House/ Historic: early 19th-20th century Listed in NRHP (determined
Quaker Meadows Plantation) previously); Avoidance
recommended
31BK589 Prehistoric: (Isolated non -diagnostic lithic) Not eligible*; No further work
recommended
31BK590 Prehistoric: (Non -diagnostic ceramic) Not eligible*; No further work
recommended
*Recommendation based on the site as defined within the current project boundaries
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to thank John McLaughlin of Merrick & Company for facilitating the work and
helping with logistics.
John Kesler and Rachael Denton at TRC assisted with the fieldwork. The artifacts were processed by
Brenda Magouirk-Nelson and were analyzed by Paul Webb, Belinda Cox, and Tasha Benyshek. Belinda
Cox prepared the graphics, and Heather Millis copyedited the report. The report was edited for content by
Paul Webb.
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CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iii
FIGURES vii
TABLES ix
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 3
Project Setting 3
Physiography, Geology, Soils, and Hydrology 3
Modern Climate 8
Flora and Fauna 8
3. CULTURAL BACKGROUND 11
Prehistoric Overview 11
Paleoindian Period (ca. 10,000?-8000 b.c.) 11
Archaic Period (ca. 8000—ca. 500 b.c.) 11
Woodland Period (ca. 500 b.c.—ca. a.d. 1000) 13
Mississippian Period (ca. a.d. 1200-1600) 15
Historic Native American Occupation 16
Regional Historic Overview 17
Previous Archaeological Research 18
4. RESEARCH GOALS AND METHODS 19
Research Goals 19
Research Methods 19
Background Research 19
Field Methods 19
Laboratory Methods 19
Artifact Analysis 19
Curation 20
5. RESULTS 21
Background Research 21
Previously Identified Resources 21
History of the Project Area 22
Archaeological Field Survey 25
31BK589 25
31BK590 29
The McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) 32
6. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39
REFERENCES CITED 41
APPENDIX 1: ARTIFACT CATALOG
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vi

FIGURES
1.1. Location of the Bost Road Sewer Project and identified archaeological sites in Burke County,
North Carolina 2
2.1. Project corridor within landscaped yard associated with the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows
Plantation (31BK148) along St. Marys Church Road, view south 4
2.2. Project corridor (Overland alignment) within a tree nursery along Bost Road, view north 4
2.3. Project corridor along tree line at Burke County Fairgrounds, view east 5
2.4. Eroded gully within project corridor (Overland alignment), view north 5
2.5. Push piles and dredged back dirt piles within the project corridor at the western end of former
golf course, view west 6
2.6. Impounded wetland within project corridor at former golf course, view west 6
2.7. Overgrown area within project corridor at eastern end of former golf course, view west 7
2.8. Eastern end of project corridor along sloped bank at Catawba Meadows, view northeast 7
2.9. Location of the Bost Road Sewer line project in the Catawba River basin 8
5.1. Portion of the 1770 Collet map showing Quaker Meadows 23
5.2. Portion of the 1905 Morganton topographic quadrangle showing approximate project location 23
5.3. Portion of the 1926 Burke County soil survey map showing approximate project location 24
5.4. Portion of the 1956 Morganton North topographic quadrangle showing approximate project
location 24
5.5. Location of the survey area, shovel tests, and identified archaeological resources 26
5.6. Site 31BK589 map 27
5.7. Site 31BK589, view west 28
5.8. Shovel Test 24 at 31BK589 28
5.9. Site 31BK590 map 30
5.10. Site 31BK590, view west 31
5.11. Site 31BK590 ST 98 31
5.12. Site 31BK148 map 33
5.13. View of the corridor at 31BK148, view north 34
5.14. Shovel Test 119 at 31BK148 34
5.15. Selected artifacts from 31BK148 37
5.16. Curved brick fragment from ST 6 at 31BK148 37
5.17. Northeastern corner of foundation partially within project corridor at 31BK148, view west 38
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viii

TABLES
i.l. Archaeological Sites Identified or Relocated by the Bost Road Sewer Project Survey ii
5.1. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within One -Half Mile of the Project Area 22
5.2. Shovel Test Information and Artifacts from 31BK148 35
6.1. Archaeological Sites Identified or Relocated by the Bost Road Sewer Project Survey 39
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x

1. INTRODUCTION
TRC has completed an archaeological survey for the proposed Bost Road Sewer project in Burke County,
North Carolina (Figure 1.1). The project includes two alignments (Original and Overland) that together
measure approximately 2,817 meters (1.75 miles) and encompass two alternatives for the project; the
easements are 50 ft (15 m) wide and include the proposed permanent and temporary corridor easements.
The field survey was conducted from June 23—July 1, 2022, was directed by Michael Nelson, and required
14 person days.
The project corridors are located in the North Carolina foothills and cross the Catawba River.
Topographically, the project corridors include mostly bottomlands along the Catawba River, and overall
the corridors are in substantially developed or previously disturbed areas. The two alignments largely
overlap; the western portions of the project corridors follow the road rights -of -way along St. Marys Church
Road and Bost Road, while the middle sections of the alignments cross an abandoned golf course, parts of
which are substantially modified and contain water features. The eastern ends of the project corridors are
within the Catawba Recreation Park. The alignments along Bost Road are within an agricultural field. The
two alignments diverge south of the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) along St.
Marys Church Road. The Overland alignment departs St. Marys Church Road south of 31BK148 and runs
east through an active tree nursery and that area has also been severely disturbed and includes an eroded
gully. The Original alignment diverges from St. Marys Church Road north of 31BK148 and runs east
through an open field in the Burke County Fairgrounds and follows an unnamed tributary of the Catawba
River.
The remainder of this report documents the results of the survey and is organized in the following way.
Chapter 2 provides information on the natural environment, and Chapter 3 presents a summary of the culture
history of the project region. Chapter 4 specifies the research goals and methods, and the results of the
background research and the survey are presented in Chapter 5. The conclusions and recommendations are
provided in Chapter 6, which is followed by a list of references cited. Appendix 1 contains the artifact
catalog. Site forms have been provided to the OSA under separate cover.
1

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htih:G.,1V?ON "nORM'nld
IIERGAV TON ' LTh.
Original Easement
31BK 590
Overland Route
1 _
Figure 1.1. Location of the Bost Road Sewer Project and identified archaeological sites in Burke
County, North Carolina.
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2

2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING
PROJECT SETTING
The project is situated in Morganton in Burke County in the foothills of western North Carolina and is
within substantially developed or previously disturbed areas. The ern ends of both the Original and
Overland alignments follow existing road rights -of -way along St. ml p,AChurch Road and also include the
landscaped yard of the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148). The corridors are within
tree nursery fields along Bost Road (Figures 2.1-2.2). Heading east, the Original alignment crosses the
edge of a large open field associated with the Burke County Fairgrounds and follows an unnamed tributary
of the Catawba River, while the Overland alignment follows an eroded gully and is within an active tree
nursery (Figures 2.3-2.4) prior to joining the Original alignment at Bost Road. The project corridors then
cross a former golf course, parts of which have been substantially modified with push piles and dredge piles
(Figures 2.5-2.6). The eastern end of the corridor across the golf course is less visibly disturbed but densely
overgrown (Figure 2.7). Once the corridors cross the Catawba River they follow along an unnamed drainage
and field edges (Figure 2.8) associated with Catawba Meadows, a large recreational park, to the terminus
just southwest of Catawba Meadows Drive.
PHYSIOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, SOILS, AND HYDROLOGY
The study area is situated in the Piedmont physiographic region east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Because
the county straddles the Piedmont and Blue Ridge provinces, Burke County's topography ranges from the
rolling hills and broad valleys of the Piedmont to the more rugged terrain of the mountains and foothills.
The South Mountains overlook the study area from the south. Elevations in Burke County range from 930
to about 1,300 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) in the Piedmont portion, from 1,200 to 2,800 feet in the
foothills section, and from 2,800 to over 3,800 feet in the mountains (Knight 2006). Elevations along the
project corridor range from about 1,010 to 1,040 feet AMSL.
The project area lies within the Inner Piedmont Belt (North Carolina Geological Survey [NCGS] 1985).
The underlying metamorphic rock is mapped as biotite gneiss and schist or granitic gneiss (NCGS 1985).
The project corridors cross several soil types. Online soils data (USDA NRCS 2022) indicate that the
bottomland areas that make up most of the study area and the golf course area are mostly mapped as Colvard
sandy loam, 0-3% slopes, occasionally flooded (CvA); these alluvial soils occur on floodplains. Most of
the area between Bost and St. Marys Church roads is mapped as Banister loam, 0-6% slopes, rarely flooded
(BaB); these soils are characteristic of depressions on stream terraces. The area along St. Marys Church
Road is mapped as Unison fine sandy loam, 2-8% slopes (UnB), which are soils that occur on stream
terraces; these soils also occur north of the channelized stream in the fairground area and east of the river
north of soils mapped as Colvard or Biltmore loamy sand, 0-5% slopes, occasionally flooded, which are
found on levees on floodplains.
The study area is drained by an unnamed (and partially channelized) tributary of the Catawba River and
that river itself (Figure 2.9). From the project area, the Catawba flows northeast (forming the border
between Caldwell and Burke counties and Alexander and Catawba counties) then turns to the
south/southeast where it divides Catawba and Iredell counties and enters Lake Norman. There the Catawba
turns south, dividing Mecklenburg from Lincoln and Gaston counties to the west, and is impounded by
Lake Wylie before entering South Carolina. There, the Catawba flows south into Lake Wateree, where it
becomes the Wateree River at its submerged confluence with Wateree Creek. The Wateree River continues
south and joins the Congaree River to form the Santee River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean to the
east.
3

Figure 2.1. Project corridor (Original alignment) within landscaped yard associated with the
McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) along St. Marys Church Road, view south.
Figure 2.2. Project corridor iv,Ain a tree nursery along Bost Road, view north.
4

Figure 2.3. Project corridor along tree line at Burke County Fairgrounds, view east.
Figure 2.4. Eroded gully within project corridor (Overland alignment), view north. v
5

Figure 2.5. Push piles and dredged back dirt piles within the project corridor at the western end of
former golf course, view west.
Figure 2.6. Impounded wetland within project corridor at former golf course, view west.
6

Figure 2.7. Overgrown area within project corridor at eastern end of former golf course, view west.
Figure 2.8. Eastern end of project corridor along sloped bank at Catawba Meadows Recreation park,
view northeast.
7

Western North Carolina River Basins
Little Tennessee
Hiwassee
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25
French Broad
50
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Watauga
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P roect,Area
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Major Rirer
Major Water Body
County- Bound sty
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Catawba
Roanoke
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Yadkin
Pee Dee
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Figure 2.9. Location of the Bost Road Sewer line project in the Catawba River basin.
MODERN CLIMATE
The climate of Burke County is temperate, characterized by warm summers, and cool, but relatively mild,
winters. The mean summer temperature is 75°F, with winter temperatures averaging 40°F; monthly means
range from 38.3°F in January to 76.4°F in July (Knight 2006:5, 432). The county averages 176 frost -free
days each year. The last killing frost generally occurs about April 21, and the earliest occurs about October
15. The mean yearly precipitation is about 50.39 inches, falling primarily in the spring, summer, and fall.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The project area is located in the Atlantic Slope section of the Oak -Pine Forest region (Braun 1950; Oosting
1942), and mature forest vegetation occurs only in isolated stands. Presently, oak (Quercus spp.) and pine
(Pinus spp.) are the most common species in upland communities, with hickory (Carya spp.), white poplar
(Populus alba), red maple (Acer rubrum), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), and dogwood (Cornus spp.) all
common.
In addition to arboreal species, the forests supported a variety of undergrowth species. The latter included
several varieties of edible berries, such as blackberries and raspberries (Rubus spp.) and huckleberries
(Gaylussacia spp.), as well as numerous other species used for food and medicinal purposes by Native
Americans and later Euro-American settlers (e.g., Mooney and Olbrechts 1932; Oliver 1989:29).
8

The varied environments in the area would have supported a substantial and diverse fauna during and prior
to Euro-American settlements (Lefler 1967). Potential game species include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus
virginianus), black bear (Ursus americanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis),
gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), and fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). Deer and turkey would have been
especially numerous in sub -climax forest settings such as clearings created by forest burning. (In fact, John
Lawson's description of the Piedmont region between the Yadkin and Catawba rivers is of a savanna -like
setting, with only scattered trees). Other species present include beaver (Castor canadensis), gray fox
(Urocyon cinereoargenteus), otter (Lutra canadensis), muskrat (Ondatra zibethica), wolf (Canis sp.),
panther (Fells concolor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and box turtle (Terrapene carolina) (Shelford 1963). Avian
species of possible economic importance included turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) and smaller species; other
species may have been valuable non-food resources as well. The Catawba River would have provided a
variety of fish, including catfish (Ictaluridae), sunfish (Centrarchidae), and largemouth (Micropterus
salmoides) and smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieui) bass.
9

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3. CULTURAL BACKGROUND
PREHISTORIC OVERVIEW
This chapter presents an overview of the prehistoric and historic period occupations of the study area, which
is situated in the western Piedmont of North Carolina. Much of the earlier part of the cultural sequence for
the region is based on Coe's (1964) investigations of the prehistoric cultures of North Carolina, combined
with more recent research (e.g., Claggett and Cable 1982). The later prehistoric to historic contact period
occupations of the region have been discussed by various researchers, including Moore (2002), Ward and
Davis (1999), and Beck et al. (2016).
The prehistory of the area can be divided into four basic time and cultural periods. These periods—
Paleoindian, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian —relate to both social and technological factors.
Several authors (e.g., Coe 1964; Keel 1976; Moore 2002; Ward and Davis 1999) divide some or all of these
periods into phases, some of which overlap in time and name, but vary in precise definition.
Much of our knowledge concerning later Woodland to early historic lifeways and material culture comes
from excavations in the upper Catawba Valley (e.g., Moore 2002). Excavations in this valley and along
some major drainages to the east have documented later trends and developments in native societies,
including evidence for early direct contact with European (Spanish) explorers. Solid evidence for later
direct or indirect contact with English traders in the upper Catawba Valley is lacking.
Paleoindian Period (ca. 10,000?-8000 B.C.)
The Paleoindian period represents the earliest well documented human occupation of the Southeast. Key
diagnostic artifacts of this period are fluted and unfluted lanceolate projectile points; a variety of flake tools,
such as endscrapers, gravers, retouched blades, and burins, are also found. Almost all of the Paleoindian
materials found in the region have come from surface contexts, and as a result few data are available
concerning regional subsistence or social organization (Anderson 1990). Hunting of late Pleistocene
megafauna is inferred based on evidence from other areas, although direct evidence for use of animals of
any kind is rare in the Southeast. Most, if not all, Paleoindian populations probably relied extensively on
other animal and plant foods as well (Meltzer and Smith 1986; Purrington 1983). Although Paleoindian
projectile points in private collections are uncommon, they are comparatively well represented in the North
Carolina Piedmont (e.g., Daniel 1997).
Paleoindian populations were generally highly mobile, and settlements are thought to have included small
temporary camps and less common base camps that were occupied by loosely organized bands.
Paleoindians selected high -quality lithic materials for tools, and many sites are linked to important source
areas. The later Paleoindian phase appears to include Dalton (Goodyear 1982) and Hardaway (Ward 1983)
points. Available dates for early side notched points follow closely behind those associated with fluted
points (e.g., Driskell 1996; Goodyear 1982).
Archaic Period (ca. 8000—ca. 500 B.C.)
The Archaic period began with the onset of Holocene, post -glacial climatic conditions in the Southeast,
when warmer global temperatures resulted in warmer and wetter conditions, and has been subdivided into
three subperiods: Early, Middle, and Late. Diagnostic projectile points are the primary criteria used to
identify and date distinct Archaic manifestations. As a whole, the Archaic may be seen as a relatively long
and successful foraging adaptation, with subsistence based on hunting, fishing, and the collection of wild
plant resources. The period is also marked by a general increase in the density and dispersal of
11

archaeological remains, more regionally distinct tool forms, and the increased use of locally available lithic
raw materials. Group size gradually increased during this period, culminating in relatively large populations
by the end of the period. While Archaic groups no doubt used a variety of materials to fashion utilitarian
and other items, lithics are all that remain on almost all sites in the Southeast due to lack of preservation in
acidic soils. Architectural evidence is rare, indicating that most structures were not substantial
constructions. Archaic sites have been the focus of intensive excavation in the North Carolina Piedmont
(Coe 1964), the Appalachian Summit region (e.g., Purrington 1981; Shumate and Kimball 2016; Webb et
al. 2005), and in eastern Tennessee in the Tellico area (e.g., Chapman 1981).
Early Archaic (ca. 8000-6000 B.c.). During the Early Archaic period, the mixed coniferous forests present
in much of the Southeast were replaced by mixed hardwood communities dominated by oak, hemlock,
beech, and maple (Claggett and Cable 1982:212). A modern faunal assemblage was in place following the
extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna. Diagnostic markers of the Early Archaic period in North Carolina
and eastern Tennessee include side notched Big Sandy projectile points and later Palmer -Kirk projectile
points (ca. 8000-6800 B.C.). Palmer -Kirk projectile points are fairly common and widespread occurrences
in the area but are sparse compared to Middle and Late Archaic types. Bifurcate based points such as the
St. Albans, LeCroy, and Kanawha types (ca. 6900-5800 B.C.) are also found in the area (Kimball 1985).
Other tools that occur on Early Archaic sites include knives, adzes, end and side scrapers, drills, perforators,
and expedient tools (Stanyard 2003; Ward and Davis 1999). There are striking lithic artifact similarities
throughout the Southeast for this period, but tremendous variety in site size, content, and function.
Low regional population densities and a continued high degree of group mobility are inferred for this period;
most known sites are located in high upland areas. The nature of more general land use patterns and
strategies for technological organization remains the subject of discussion (e.g., Anderson and Hanson
1988; Daniel 1998). The forests of the Piedmont would have provided a reliable source and good variety
of food, perhaps allowing groups to focus their settlement patterns on less widely available resources, such
as high -quality lithic material. Daniel (1998) suggests that quality raw material sources, particularly
Uwharrie rhyolite outcrops, were the focal point of the settlement patterns.
Middle Archaic (ca. 6000-4000 B.c.). During the Middle Archaic, the cool, moist conditions of the early
Holocene are generally considered to have given way to the warmer, drier climate of the Mid -Holocene
Hypsithermal interval (although there is increasing evidence that the Mountains may have seen increased
rainfall during this period [e.g., Leigh 2002]). Extensive estuarine marshes and riverine swamps began to
emerge in coastal regions as sea levels ceased their post -Pleistocene rise by 3000 B.C. The northern
hardwoods vegetational matrix in those regions was replaced by an oak -hickory forest, which was in turn
replaced by a southern hardwoods -pine forest characterized by the species occupying the region today
(Claggett and Cable 1982:212-216; Delcourt and Delcourt 1983, 1985). Subsistence economies became
increasingly diversified, particularly evident in the Mid -South and lower Midwest during the Shell Mound
Archaic, when riverine settings were chosen more often for occupation (Sassaman 1996). It is assumed that
population density increased during the Middle Archaic period (Anderson 1996), but small hunting and
gathering bands probably still formed the primary social and economic units. Populations during this period
appear to have relied primarily on a foraging -based economy (Anderson 1996:174). Larger sites tend to
occur near or along river floodplains, but numerous small sites, probably utilized for specialized resource
extraction, are characteristic of upland locales. The Middle Archaic witnessed the first substantial
occupation in the Smoky Mountains (Bass 1975:109).
Three subperiods recognized in most of North Carolina are identified by the presence of Stanly (ca. 6000-
5000 B.c.), Morrow Mountain (ca. 5000-4200 B.c.), and Guilford (ca. 4200-3500 B.C.) projectile points,
following the classic Archaic sequence first identified by Coe (1964). Archaeologically, the transition from
the Early Archaic to the Middle Archaic is characterized by the appearance of stemmed rather than notched
projectile points and an increased incidence of groundstone tools. Reliance on locally available quartz and
12

quartzite, rather than higher quality non -local chert, for stone tools increased in the Appalachian Summit
and other areas, such as other parts of North Carolina, northern Georgia, and South Carolina. Atlatl weights
and stone net sinkers make their first appearance in the archaeological record during the Middle Archaic,
and the use of expedient stone tool technology (the manufacture of tools for immediate use) predominates
during this time (Stanyard 2003).
Based on studies in South Carolina, researchers (e.g., Blanton and Sassaman 1989; Sassaman 1983) have
suggested that Morrow Mountain peoples were foragers who resided at a location until local resources were
depleted (a pattern similar to Binford's [1980] residential mobility). This idea is consistent with an
archaeological pattern characterized by local raw material utilization, the wide distribution of sites in
various landscape settings and their small size, the lack of evidence for long-term occupations, and the
absence of discernible substantial trade networks (Stanyard 2003:48-49).
Late Archaic (ca. 4000—ca. 500 B.C.). Like Middle Archaic sites, Late Archaic sites are common in the
study area, although few have been the primary focus of archaeological investigations. The lower Southeast
in general saw an increase in sites from the Middle to Late Archaic, and most researchers agree that a
population increase is reflected in these data (Anderson 1996). Large Late Archaic sites are found in river
floodplains, and some of these have characteristics of intensive occupations not seen in earlier periods, in
the form of occupation middens, high feature density, and circular pit hearths (Coe 1964:119). The
existence of formal base camps occupied seasonally or longer is inferred, together with a range of smaller
resource exploitation sites, such as hunting, fishing, or plant collecting stations (Claggett and Cable 1982;
Mathis 1979; Ward 1983). Grinding implements, polished stone tools, and carved soapstone bowls became
fairly common, suggesting increased use of plant resources, and possibly changes in subsistence strategies
and cooking technologies. Although regional evidence is minimal, the first experiments with horticulture
probably occurred at this time, with the cultivation of plants such as squash (Cucurbita pepo), sunflower
(Helianthus sp.), and Chenopodium (Cowan 1985; Ford 1981; Smith 1989).
Late Archaic occupations in the Piedmont are marked by a variety of large to small stemmed points. The
most prominent and recognizable of these is the Savannah River stemmed type, a large, broad -bladed,
square stemmed point that appeared ca. 3000 B.C. and lasted to ca. 1500 B.C. Subsequent Late Archaic sites
frequently contain slightly smaller stemmed points (Ward and Davis 1999:71). Size reduction of these
stemmed forms, on average, is clearly indicated over the course of the Late Archaic/Early Woodland in the
region (Oliver 1981, 1985). The most common feature type during the Late Archaic is the rock -filled pit
(Chapman 1981; Keel 1976). Toward the end of the Late Archaic, fiber tempered ceramics appeared in the
coastal regions (Sassaman 1993), although it is very rare in western North Carolina (Webb et al. 2005).
There is increased evidence for trade during the Late Archaic period, as indicated by the presence of
soapstone, slate, and other materials outside their source areas (Chapman 1985).
Woodland Period (ca. 500 B.C.—ca. A.D. 1200)
Woodland period manifestations in the western North Carolina Piedmont appear to follow those
developments found across the Piedmont to the east, although the sequence of the adjacent Mountains is
less clear and may be similar to developments within the Appalachian Summit Region to the west. The
Woodland period in the North Carolina Piedmont began around 500 B.C., corresponding with dated
evidence for the earliest use of ceramics in the area. Subsistence strategies may have included increased
reliance on the cultivation of native and non-native (tropical) plants, although evidence for plant cultivation
is (at best) scanty until the Late Woodland transition. Ceramics became more diversified with respect to
temper and surface decoration, and sub -regional differences become evident. Triangular projectile points
are diagnostic of the later Middle and Late Woodland periods, linked to the introduction of bow and arrow
technology, the timing and nature of which probably varied across the region (Nassaney and Pyle 1998). In
13

the later part of the Woodland sequence, occupations are characterized by an increasing focus on riverine
floodplain locations.
Early Woodland (ca. 500 B.C.- A.D. 200). Initial Woodland occupations are generally thought to reflect a
largely unchanged continuation of Late Archaic lifeways coupled with the first widespread introduction of
ceramics. Early Woodland period occupations in the Piedmont are represented by the Badin and Yadkin
ceramic series, which appear to overlap in time (Ward and Davis 1999:85; Webb and Leigh 1995). Badin
ceramics are sand tempered and stamped with either a cord wrapped or fabric wrapped paddle (Coe
1964:27-29). Yadkin series ceramics are finished with cord wrapped and fabric wrapped paddles, but also
with carved paddles producing designs such as check stamping, linear check stamping, and simple
stamping, and are tempered with crushed quartz (Coe 1964:30-32). The Swannanoa series of the
Appalachian Summit region, which dates ca. 1000-200 B.C., appears roughly equivalent (Keel 1976).
Ceramic manufacturing techniques continued into the subsequent Middle Woodland period, characterized
by different combinations of elements —cord marking, fabric impression, and check stamping surface
treatment, and coarse sand or crushed quartz temper (Coe 1964:30-32).
Associated projectile points largely conform to two separate traditions. The first of these is defined by a
simple reduction in size from earlier Late Archaic stemmed styles. Gypsy stemmed points appear to
represent a continued trend toward diminution in size for stemmed points, essentially developing out of the
small Savannah River stemmed type (Oliver 1981:188-189). Other varieties related to Early Woodland
occupations include small, contracting stemmed points similar to the Piscataway and Rossville types, and
similar points have been recovered from Early Woodland contexts in North Carolina (Kirchen 2001:44).
Early use of large triangular points, such as the Badin and Yadkin types (Oliver 1985), likely accompanied
the continued use of stemmed points for some time.
The lifeways of these peoples seem to have changed little from those of their Late Archaic period
predecessors. A settlement pattern characterized by relatively permanent river bottom base camps and
specialized upland exploitation camps is inferred (Mathis 1979). Although Early Woodland use of certain
cultigens may have increased from earlier times, the main staples were still nuts and other wild plants and
the large animals, such as white-tailed deer and turkey. To date, no well-defined Early Woodland structures
have been identified in the region.
Middle Woodland (ca. A.D. 200— 600). The Middle Woodland period (ca. A.D. 200 to 600) in the western
Piedmont and foothills likely follows the Piedmont pattern (instead of the markedly different, more
elaborate cultural trajectory of the Appalachian Summit area) and can be understood as an arbitrary
construct until changes in artifact styles and settlement patterns can be distinguished from that of the
preceding period. It appears that gradual changes occurred, so that the later part of the Middle Woodland
more closely resembled the subsequent period than the preceding interval. The timing of the change in
artifact styles, especially ceramics, appears variable throughout the region.
Ceramic artifacts dating to this period include a continuation of the Yadkin series and the introduction of
the Uwharrie series. Uwharrie ceramics, used into the Late Woodland period, are fabric, cord, or net
impressed, quartz tempered, usually interior scraped, and occasionally crudely incised. Uwharrie phase
sites in the region reflect more intensive and longer term occupations. During this time, triangular point
types (such as Yadkin large triangular) represent the continued refinement of bow and arrow technology in
the region.
Bamann and Lautzenheiser (2002) reported on a site (31WK223) containing a Middle Woodland
component along the Reddies River in the upper Yadkin Valley. A radiocarbon (AMS) sample associated
with a hearth (on a site with Badin and Yadkin series ceramics) yielded a date of Cal A.D. 410-600 (2-
sigma), suggesting the continuation of these types into the Middle Woodland.
14

Horticulture also is thought to have become increasingly important during this period, although mast
resources remain the most visible dietary contributor. Compared to previous periods, it appears that site
density increased considerably, especially along river floodplains (Ward and Davis 1993; Woodall 1984).
Numerous large and small sites have been found dating to this period, suggesting periodic aggregation and
dispersion or some kind of a village/base camp dichotomy in the settlement pattern. On sites dating to this
period, storage pits become common, partial house patterns (oval) are discernible, riverine food sources
appear more intensively utilized, and there are human burials, typically with no or strictly domestic grave
items (Abbott et al. 1987:13). With some important exceptions, it is possible that most settlements during
the Middle Woodland period were relatively short-term habitations, with little elaboration in community
patterning and artifact diversity.
Late Woodland (ca. A.D. 600-1200). The Late Woodland period in much of the Southeast saw the
emergence of sedentary village life and intensive maize (Zea mays) horticulture and the development of
complex tribal and chiefdom -level political structures. Certainly, by A.D. 1000, many interior Southeastern
groups were producing substantial amounts of corn, which continued into the Mississippian period when
wild food resources were supplemental to cultivated ones (Scarry 2003:88-89). Later developments in the
upper Catawba Valley (as in the upper Yadkin Valley) likely follow the Piedmont tradition, where the Late
Woodland period is defined by large and small horticultural based sites focused on the floodplains of major
streams, small triangular points, post -in -ground structures, storage pits, and the presence of graves at many
habitation sites. Piedmont groups are presumed to have had an egalitarian social organization based on
kinship ties and do not appear to have been integrated into chiefly hierarchies. Despite some inequalities in
access to exotic exchange items, there is little to suggest social differentiation in the archaeological record
of the North Carolina Piedmont (Coe 1952; Rogers 1993; Ward 1987:108).
Most of the later ceramics are sand tempered with net impressed, plain, cord marked, or brushed surfaces,
similar to the Dan River series of the northwestern Piedmont and foothills regions. The net impressed and
plain soapstone tempered Smyth series is also present but is a less frequent occurrence in the upper Catawba
than in the adjacent upper Yadkin Valley (Moore 2002:95).
Mississippian Period (ca. A.D. 1200-1600)
The Mississippian period in the Southeast is marked primarily by the increasing intensification of maize
horticulture, the establishment of increasingly hierarchical social structures and settlement systems, and an
increase in ceremonialism expressed architecturally in the construction of flat-topped substructure mounds.
Increasing evidence exists that territorial boundaries between chiefdoms were closely maintained during
the Mississippian period, although individual chiefdoms rose and fell in cyclical patterns. Studies of
relations between native chiefdoms and Spanish expeditions suggest that some type of supra -chiefdom level
organization was maintained through a system in which paramount chiefs traveled from fief to fief,
displaying royal powers and prerogative and receiving gifts and tribute from subservient chiefdoms (Smith
and Hally 1992). The Mississippian period in the upper Catawba Valley is a distinct late manifestation of a
broader regional phenomenon and is contemporary with the Late Woodland tradition in the Yadkin Valley
and western Piedmont (ca. A.D. 1200 to 1600). Developments within the upper Catawba valley, defined
archaeologically by several phases, are similar to those of a broad South Appalachian Mississippian
tradition, a tradition of complicated stamped ceramic manufacture that includes Pisgah and Qualla to the
west and a variety of contemporary styles to the south. The dominant ceramic series is the complicated
stamped and plain (or burnished) soapstone tempered Burke series (Moore 1987, 2002). Burke series
ceramic ware is dominated by burnished, plain, and predominately curvilinear stamped surfaces and folded
or applique strip rims (Keeler 1971; Moore 2002). Carinated (typically incised) and hemispherical bowls
are also represented. Radiometric dates associated with Burke series ceramics span the mid-15tl to the 16th
centuries (e.g., Idol 1995; Kimball et al. 1996; Moore 2002). The Burke series is also represented on some
sites in the upper Yadkin Valley (Idol 1997; Kimball et al. 1996; Woodall 2009).
15

In the upper Catawba Valley at least, complicated stamped ceramics are accompanied by platform mound
construction, part of a broad Mississippian manifestation in the Catawba Valley (Moore 2002). The Berry
site (31BK22), a large village or town site associated with a substructure mound, is one example (Moore
1987, 2002). Farther west, ceramics consist of a mix of Burke, Pisgah, and related McDowell series
ceramics (Moore 2002:277). Later developments in the upper Catawba drainage have yet to be defined, but
likely follow trends that are only beginning to be identified in the lower to middle part of the valley (e.g.,
Keel 1990, Moore 2002, Riggs 2010).
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN OCCUPATION
The Catawba Valley is historically associated with the Catawba Indians and is east of the core area of
known 17t'' and 18t'' century Cherokee settlement. The area was frequented by Cherokee hunters, however,
and may have contained small settlements at various times as well (see Mooney 1900:380-381). Relatively
little is known about historic period Native occupations (especially in the upper Catawba Valley), and it
appears likely that any local groups were reconsolidated into groups situated elsewhere around the
beginning of the 18t'' century. (Although the Cherokees underwent substantial disruption, they managed to
retain control of portions of their homeland.) Accounts left by early English explorers and traders that
passed through or near the region in the late 17t'' century (e.g., Gabriel Needham and James Arthur) have
proven geographically vague or otherwise unreliable (see Hudson 1990:198-200; Rogers 1993; Wilson
1983). The Moravian Bishop Spangenberg traveled through the Johns River valley in 1752 and commented
on the number of friendly Indians encountered in the Catawba drainage (Alexander 1956:19-20).
The first Euro-American intrusion into western North Carolina took place in 1540, when Hernando de
Soto's expedition passed through the area. Several different reconstructions of de Soto's route have been
proposed, but the most current reconstructions suggest that de Soto crossed the Blue Ridge via the
Swannanoa Gap or followed a more northerly route along the Toe River (Beck 1997; Hudson 1997:193;
Hudson et al. 1984). The route through the Swannanoa Gap may have been taken by a later Spanish
explorer, Juan Pardo, who traversed much of the same area from 1567-1568 (Beck 1997:167; Hudson
1990:27-46, 1997:193).
Revised interpretations of the routes taken by early Spanish explorers suggest these may have crossed
through the upper Catawba Valley, and archaeological evidence indicates that the Berry site is the location
of Joara, a town visited by de Soto and Pardo, and the site of the Spanish Fort San Juan (Beck et al. 2016;
Moore and Beck 1994). Whatever the precise routes of these explorers, it is clear that the ancestral
Catawbas' and Cherokees' first encounter with Europeans occurred in the mid-16tl century. These
encounters were to have dramatic effects. The introduction of European diseases to which the Native
populations had little resistance caused a major reduction in population levels and extensive changes in
political organization. Elsewhere in the Southeast, the fragmentation and reformation of political groups
resulted in a general decrease in social complexity and the total disappearance of some prehistoric societies
(Smith 1987).
During the 17t'' and 18t'' centuries, the Cherokees controlled the mountains and part of the western Piedmont,
while the Catawbas occupied the southwestern Piedmont of North Carolina and adjacent South Carolina.
The Catawba were closely allied with the English traders based in Charleston and strategically located along
the trading path that connected the interior of Virginia and the Carolinas and ultimately led west to Cherokee
territory (Davis and Riggs 2004:3; Hudson 1970:31-39; Merrell 1989:176; Rights 1931). Early historical
accounts of the Cherokee by William Bartram in 1781 (Waselkov and Braund 1995), and similar accounts
of the Catawba, describe cabins that reflect European influence.
16

REGIONAL HISTORIC OVERVIEW
Moravian Bishop Spangenburg surveyed 6,000 acres along the Johns River and near the confluence of
Upper and Steel's creeks in 1752 (Alexander 1956:19); although encounters with Cherokee and European
hunters appear to have been frequent, no permanent European (or Native American) settlements are
mentioned (Phifer 1979:11-12). Euro-American settlement of the Burke County area began in earnest
during the 1760s, composed of emigrants from the east and north (Phifer 1979:13-15). The Collet map of
1770 depicts a trading path extending from Virginia to the Johns River (Cumming 1998). These settlers
favored the floodplains of major streams for settlement (Phifer 1979:15). Land entries for the period
between 1791 and 1795 appear dominated by these major stream locations (Pruitt 2001). Burke County was
formed from Rowan County in 1777, and the county seat was placed at Morgansborough (Morganton) in
1784 (Corbin 1996:42-44; Ervin 1981:13). Annexations to form new Piedmont and Mountain counties,
mainly before 1860, considerably reduced the original boundaries.
The first federal census of the county in 1790 listed 8,106 inhabitants (United States Bureau of the Census
[USBC] 1790). Following substantial reductions in the size of its boundaries, Burke County contained 9,237
residents in 1860, including 2,372 slaves (Phifer 1977:463; USBC 1860). The primary agricultural products
were corn, wheat, and oats, although an array of crops was produced on farms and plantations. Livestock
was also an important farm product. Most Burke County farmers worked their own farms with the help of
their families.
In 1800, Morganton had 130 residents (including 50 slaves). Growth accelerated during the early part of
the century, and the town was formally incorporated in 1839 (Ervin 1981:13, 21). An early thoroughfare,
believed to generally follow the route of US 70, appears on a 1779 plat, and by 1808 six main roads
intersected Morganton (Phifer 1977:175). In addition to agriculture, Burke County supported vibrant
cottage industries, including milling, the manufacture of textiles, distilling of liquor, and the production of
wood and leather products, including carriage, wagon, and saddle manufacture (Phifer 1977:208). Iron and
gold mining were also early industries but do not appear to have had any major economic impact.
During the Civil War, several companies of Confederate soldiers were organized at Morganton and
elsewhere in Burke County. The region was not a major theater of the war but endured enemy raids in 1864
and 1865 (Phifer 1979:129-130). The June 1864 raid resulted in the capture and destruction of Camp Vance,
a cavalry post and training camp for the junior reserves. (Camp Vance was located near the present
intersection of US 70 and Summers Road.)
The war ended the plantation system and resulted in an increased number of small farms and tenant farmers;
average farm acreage decreased from 66 acres in 1860 to 27 acres in 1880 (Phifer 1979:81). Even into the
20t'' century, regional agriculture was characterized by the absence of a dominant cash crop; most farms
relied on the sale of surplus fruits, vegetables, dairy, and poultry products for their economic survival.
Major commodities such as corn, wheat, and hay were accompanied by the development of fruit orchards
by the end of the century; grape and wine production was particularly prevalent in the Waldensian
community around Valdese (Phifer 1979:82-83).
The completion of the Western North Carolina Railroad to Morganton ca. 1867 provided access to markets
for the products from Burke County's farms, and later from its sawmills and industrial products. From the
late 19th through early 20t'' centuries, a variety of industries (mainly linked to forest and agricultural
products) were established in and around Morganton (Phifer 1979:85-92), including the Morganton
Furniture Manufacturing Company (1885), the Burke Tannery (1895), the Dunavant Cotton Mill (1888,
later reorganized as Alpine Cotton Mills), the Drexel Furniture Company (1903), and the Catawba Valley
Canning Company (1908).
17

Currently, about one-third of Burke County's land area is national forest. Despite state-wide declines,
furniture and textile production remain the leading industries in Burke County, accompanied by increasing
diversification and a growth in the retail industry; much agricultural production shifted to greenhouse and
nursery crops by the end of the 20t1 century (Knight 2006).
PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH
Western North Carolina has been the subject of archaeological research for over a century, and most trends
in the history of North American archaeology are reflected in the region. As early as the 1880s, researchers
from the Smithsonian Institution's Bureau of Ethnology excavated sites in western North Carolina as part
of their investigations into the origin of the "Mound Builders" (Thomas 1894). (That research was
instrumental in demonstrating that the mounds in western North Carolina and elsewhere had in fact been
built by American Indians, and were not the products of a mysterious, vanished race). Several mounds (and
purported mounds) in Burke County were reported by John P. Rogan, James Mason Spainhour, and James
Mooney during this time (Moore 2002:52; Thomas 1891).
Early 20t'' century work in western North Carolina continued to focus on mound explorations. Between
1915 and 1919, George Heye and associates excavated at the Garden Creek site in Haywood County and at
other nearby sites (Heye 1919). Although that work was designed to gather artifacts for Heye's Museum of
the American Indian in New York, it did provide some data on the antiquity of the Cherokees in the region
(Dickens 1976:7-8).
Intensive, systematic work in western North Carolina did not begin until 1964, when the University of
North Carolina instituted the Cherokee Archaeological Project. This project, which lasted until 1971,
included large-scale surveys and salvage excavations, as well as intensive investigations of late prehistoric
and historic Cherokee sites (Purrington 1983:98-99; Ward and Davis 1999:17-18). Data from this project
have been reported in several theses, dissertations, and other publications (e.g., Dickens 1976; Egloff 1967;
Keel 1976) and provide much of the background information on the Appalachian Summit region. Since the
1980s to the present, investigations by David Moore (Moore 2002), Rob Beck (Beck 1997), and others have
generated much information concerning the later archaeological sequence in the upper Catawba Valley.
Beginning in the 1970s, the establishment of Federal cultural resources legislation and management
procedures resulted in an increasing number of archaeological projects in Burke County, as well as the rest
of western North Carolina. Most of the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) projects conducted in Burke
County have been related to activities on Pisgah National Forest or to transportation improvements. Other
projects have been conducted in association with the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation and
the Historic Burke Foundation (e.g., Robinson 2004, 2008, Robinson and Moore 1992). Robinson (1990)
also conducted survey and deep testing work along the Catawba River documenting prehistoric sites.
18

4. RESEARCH GOALS AND METHODS
RESEARCH GOALS
The primary goal of the survey was to systematically gather data on any archaeological resources present
within the project area for the purposes of regulatory compliance. In addition, the archaeological field data
were to be employed, as much as possible, to address the nature of the prehistoric and historic period
occupations of the area.
RESEARCH METHODS
Specific research methods were utilized for the background studies, field research, analysis, and reporting
stages of the project, as outlined below.
Background Research
Background literature review was conducted to gather information on any known cultural resources on and
adjacent to the project and included examination of the following materials:
• Archaeological site files and reports at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology;
• Cemetery information available online; and
• Historical maps and other data available online and in TRC's collection.
Field Methods
The archaeological survey complied with all pertinent state and federal regulations, including the OSA's
Guidelines for Preparation of Archaeological Survey Reports in North Carolina. The field survey was
conducted by a team of three, consisting of the Field Director and two Technicians.
Shovel tests were excavated at 20-m intervals in all areas of less than 10% slope that did not exhibit
evidence of substantial disturbance, with closer interval shovel testing conducted as appropriate for site
delineation and characterization. All shovel tests measured ca. 30 cm in diameter and were excavated to
sterile subsoil or to at least 75 cmbs. All soil (with the exception of obvious fill) was screened through 1/4-
inch screen for uniform artifact recovery. The depth, stratigraphy, and artifact content (when applicable)
were recorded for each shovel test. Besides the shovel testing, surface exposures were examined for artifacts
or other indications of archaeological sites.
Notes were made on the survey methods and environmental conditions. All sites were photographed, and
additional representative photographs of the project area were taken with a digital camera to document the
general topography, vegetation, and disturbance. Selected shovel tests were mapped with a sub -meter
accuracy GPS unit and all shovel tests were placed on the project aerial map.
LABORATORY METHODS
Artifact Analysis
The recovered artifacts were returned to TRC's Asheville laboratory, where they were cleaned and
catalogued according to established regional typologies.
19

Ceramic Artifacts. Only two prehistoric sherds were found during the survey and these are eroded or have
unidentifiable surface treatments.
Lithic Artifacts. Lithic artifacts are typically categorized by tool or debitage type and by raw material;
however, only one piece of debitage was recovered during the survey.
Debitage. Debitage fragments are the byproduct of lithic tool manufacture. Count, raw material, and size
category were recorded for debitage. The presence or absence of cortex was generally noted.
Raw Material Identification. Chipped stone raw materials were identified based on macroscopic
characteristics. Categories recognized in the assemblage include only chert.
Euro-American Artifacts. Euro-American artifacts were divided into principal categories based on
composition (i.e., ceramic, glass, metal, etc.) and then classified according to published artifact descriptions.
Modern artifacts were not collected.
Curation
The project materials are being prepared for curation in accordance with OSA standards and are currently
stored in the TRC office in Asheville. The artifacts will ultimately be curated by the Office of State
Archaeology Research Center (OSARC) or, in the case of the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows
Plantation (31BK148), returned to the Historic Burke Foundation.
20

BACKGROUND RESEARCH
5. RESULTS
Previously Identified Resources
Archaeological Surveys and Sites. A review of files and records at the OSA revealed that there have been
no prior systematic surveys of the project area, but that two sites have been previously recorded within or
adjacent to the corridors (31BK148 and 31BK174). Site 31BK174 is a prehistoric site that was discovered
by observation of surface artifacts during a survey in 1990 (Robinson 1990); that site contained lithic and
ceramic artifacts, but is unassessed for NRHP eligibility; the site area within the project corridor is now
mostly located within a golf course, which has been subjected to moderate to severe landscape modification;
no evidence of the site was found within the survey limits despite the excavation of shovel tests at 10-m
intervals in the area immediately west of the Catawba River. Based on the site form, it is probable that the
location of 31BK174 is located north/northwest of the current project corridor, although it could have
extended into the project boundaries and is now destroyed in that area. The location of 31BK174 depicted
on the site form is slightly north of that shown in the OSA's GIS database.
Site 31BK148 is the NRHP listed McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation, which is recorded as
historic resource BK0010 (Robinson 2004, 2008; Robinson and Moore 1992). The two-story, brick
McDowell House was built ca. 1812 (Bishir et al. 1999) and was acquired by the Historic Burke Foundation
in 1986 and is now a museum; it was more or less continuously occupied until that time. As summarized
by Robinson and Moore (1992:13):
The McDowell House has undergone five major periods of residency or ownership:
Charles, Jr. and Anna McDowell (ca. 1820-1859)
James C. s. and Julia Manly McDowell (1859-1878)
Cora and Samuel McDowell (1878-1902)
Jefferson Davis Alexander (1902-1923)
Whisenants and Other Tenants of Appalachian and Duke Power Companies (19231986)
The McDowell House was constructed by Captain Charles McDowell Jr., whose grandfather, Joseph
McDowell, settled in the area in the mid-18th century; the place name possibly refers to the Quakers (or a
Quaker trader) that traded with Native Americans in the area (Bishir et al. 1999:156; Robinson and Moore
1992); the name Quaker Meadows was noted by Spangenburg in 1752. Several ancillary buildings still
stand (or once stood on site) along with a reconstructed kitchen. The Original alignment is approximately
50 m from the McDowell House itself, which faces St. Marys Church Road. Archaeological work at the
McDowell House (31BK148) has occurred in several locations, including the former kitchen area and cellar
along with the front and back porch areas and a fence line area south of the house (Robinson and Moore
1992). In addition, years later, a foundation was investigated to the northeast of the house and was
determined to be a mid-20tl century construction (Robinson 2008).
The house (or houses) that the first two generations of the Joseph McDowell family occupied was well east
(estimated perhaps 2,100 feet [Robinson 2004:121) of the McDowell House recorded as 31BK148 and no
longer stands (Robinson and Moore 1992); its location has not been positively identified. Elsewhere at
Quaker Meadows, away from the ca. 1812 house complex, survey has been conducted to try to locate
enslaved persons' habitation areas along with cemetery areas, and research has been conducted to locate
features that might be part of the 18t'' century landscape, such as trails, river crossings, and the "Council
Oak" (Robinson 2004). The Quaker Meadows Historic Site is part of the Overmountain Victory National
21

Historic Trail; local militia and over -mountain men met at Quaker Meadows at the "Council Oak" before
the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain (Robinson 2004).
Four other known sites are within a one-half mile radius (Table 5.1) of the project area along with the
Quaker Meadows cemetery (31BK175). These sites were recorded or revisited by the Robinson (1990)
survey. In addition, site 31BK18 was revisited prior to the construction of the Catawba County Recreation
Park (Best 2004; Gougeon and Moore 2003).
Table 5.1. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within One -Half Mile of the Project Area.
Site No. Description NRHP Status Reference
31BK18 Prehistoric: Archaic, Mississippian Unassessed Robinson 1990; Gougeon
31BK148 (BK0010)
31BK170
31BK171
31BK174
31BK175 (BK0051)
31BK176
Historic; McDowell House/Quaker
Meadows 19th-20th century
Historic; Fleming Ford
Prehistoric: Mississippian Historic:
19th century
Prehistoric: Mississippian
Historic: Quaker Meadows cemetery;
18th-19th century
Historic: early 20th century
Listed in National
Register
Not eligible
Unassessed
Unassessed
Listed in National
Register
Unassessed
2003; Best 2004
Robinson and Moore 1992;
Robinson 2004, 2008
Robinson 1990
Robinson 1990
Robinson 1990
Robinson 1990
Robinson 1990
Cemeteries. Historic and modem maps do not show any other cemeteries within or adjacent to the project
area. The closest recorded cemetery is the Quaker Meadows Cemetery (31BK175), located well south (350
m) of the southern terminus of the project area. The locations of any graves of enslaved persons associated
with the Quaker Meadows Plantation are not known.
History of the Project Area
Historic Map Review. A series of maps were consulted to identify potential former structure locations
within or adjacent to the project alignments. Quaker Meadows is shown on the 1770 Collet map, but no
structures or roads are shown in the area (Figure 5.1). The earliest detailed map found of the project area is
a 1905 Morganton 30-minute quadrangle (USGS 1905) (Figure 5.2). That map depicts a road in the
approximate location of Bost Road and a structure on the opposite side of that road from the project corridor
and also depicts structures in the area of the McDowell House. The 1926 Burke County soils map is closely
similar (discrepancies result from attempts to overlay maps produced at different scales) (Figure 5.3) (Lee
and Bacon 1926). No structures other than the McDowell House are depicted near the project corridor on
the later 1956 Morganton North 7.5-minute series quadrangle, which is the earliest 7.5-minute quadrangle
map for the area (Figure 5.4) (USGS 1956). Robinson (2004) discusses trails, roads, fords, and other
features of the larger Quaker Meadows Plantation landscape, including possibly Fort Charles, along with
the 18th century McDowell house(s), none of which appears to be within the project corridors other than
those directly related to the 1812 McDowell House complex.
22

Figure 5. . Portion of the 1770 Collet map showing Quaker Meadows.
Approximate Project Location
Figure 5.2. Portion of the 1905 Morganton topographic quadrangle showing approximate project location.
23

Approximate Project Location
Figure 5.3. Portion of the 1926 Burke County soil survey map showing approximate project location.
In
uo 1o�H_ ozs ` T ©N
Figure 5.4. Portion of the 1956 Morganton North topographic quadrangles showing approximate project
location.
24

ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD SURVEY
A total of 125 shovel tests, including transect and site delineation tests, were excavated within the project
corridors. Shovel test transects were oriented along the corridors and provided adequate coverage of discrete
landforms (undisturbed areas within the proposed corridor easements were selected for testing). A high
degree of disturbance characterized most of the project corridors. Despite the 10-m interval shovel testing
(and limited augering), no artifacts were discovered in the vicinity of 31BK174; the site is thought to be
north of the survey corridor but may have extended into the project area and been destroyed by golf course
development. The 31BK174 site form depicts this site slightly north of the site polygon depicted by OSA
in the GIS database, and a sherd was observed on the surface north of the project corridor between the river
edge and a horse pasture; this area contains a slight rise, and the current landowner mentioned having
collected artifacts within that field.
The survey identified two new archaeological sites (31BK589 and 31BK590) and found that material
associated with the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) extends into the project
corridor along St Marys Church Road (Figure 5.5; see Table i.1; see Figure 1.1).
31BK589
Component: Prehistoric (non -diagnostic lithic)
Site dimensions: 10 x 10 m*
UTMs (NAD 27): E 435070.07 N 3957417.82
Landform: Stream terrace
Soil Type: Unison fine sandy loam 2-8% slopes
Recommendation. Not eligible*
*Within current project corridor
Site 31BK589 is a prehistoric subsurface isolated find located along a sloped bank on a lower terrace within
the Original alignment in the area of the fairgrounds; the site is contained within a defined wetland area
Figures 5.6-5.7; see Figure 5.5). A single, small piece of chert debitage was recovered from 0-20 cmbs
thin shovel test (ST) 24 (Figure 5.8). The find was not delineated to the south outside of the project
boundary. The area to the north slopes up to a higher landform outside the project corridor boundary.
The soils in ST 24 consisted of a 29 cm thick dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) loam overlying a 16 cm
thick light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) sandy clay loam, which was atop light brownish gray (10YR 6/2)
sandy clay to 67 cmbs; similar soils were present in ST 30. Adjacent delineation tests encountered brown
sandy loam over hydric soils (STs 25 and 26) or disturbed soils and road gravel (STs 31, 22, 23) and did
not contain artifacts.
As an isolated, non -temporally diagnostic, single lithic find from a relatively shallow subsurface context,
31BK589 lacks the potential to yield further information about the prehistory of the area and is
recommended not eligible for the NRHP as defined within the project limits. It is possible that the site
continues outside the current project boundary, and if the project is expanded in that direction further work
is recommended to determine the full extent of the site.
25

Figure 5.5. Location of the survey area, shovel tests, and identified archaeological resources.
26

Figure 5.6. Site 31BK589 map.
27

Figure 5.7. Site 31BK589, view west.
Figure 5.8. Shovel Test 24 at 31BK589.
28

31BK590
Component: Prehistoric (unidentified ceramic)
Site dimensions: 20 x 20 m*
UTMs (NAD 27): E 436278.16 N 3957520.41
Landform: Stream terrace
Soil Type: Unison fine sandy loam 2-8% slope
Recommendation. Not eligible
*Within current project corridor
Site 31BK590 is identified by two prehistoric sherds that were found east of the Catawba River within the
Catawba Meadows Recreational Park and is within both the Original and Overland alignments along a
drainage (see Figure 5.5; Figures 5.9-5.10). Soils were found to be disturbed and not representative of the
natural soils previously mapped in the area, and the artifacts may be redeposited from elsewhere; no A
horizon is present. Site 31BK18 is a very large site (perhaps as large as 35 acres according to Robinson
[19901), and as mapped at OSA, is over 50 acres in size) that site is mapped 250 m north of 31BK590 but
has never been fully delineated. Development typifies much of the area and certainly artifacts were
redeposited as a result of the extensive recreational park development (e.g., ball fields, picnic pavilions,
roads, and a parking lot), however, and the sherds from the 31BK590 location may be related to that site.
At 31BK590, two consecutive shovel tests at 10-m intervals (STs 92 and 98) each contained a single sherd,
one of which is eroded and the other is unidentified decorated (likely cord marked or fabric impressed).
These were recovered from shallow depths between 0-26 cmbs. One sherd was recovered from obvious fill
(ST 98), while the other was recovered from disturbed soils underneath obvious fill (ST 92).
Soils on and adjacent to the site consist of fill, some of which is extremely compact (STs 93, 98, 100, 102,
and 101). STs 91, 92, and 99 contained fill or disturbed soils down to 37 cmbs, overlying strong brown or
yellowish brown fine to medium sand (Figure 5.11).
In summary, 31BK590 produced two nondiagnostic prehistoric ceramic artifacts found in disturbed
contexts in a recreational park; an extensive site (31BK18) has been recorded north of 31BK590 and appears
to have been severely disturbed, and the sherds may have been redeposited from that site. As defined within
the project corridors, site 31BK590 lacks the potential to yield further information about local or regional
prehistoric occupations and is recommended not eligible for the NRHP. It is possible that the site extends
outside the project corridor to the north, and if the project boundaries are expanded in that direction,
additional testing would be necessary to determine the full extent of the site and to see if there are any intact
contexts in that area.
29

Figure 5.9. Site 31BK590 map.
30

Figure 5.10. Site 31BK590, view west.
Figure 5.11. Shovel Test 98 at 31BK590.
31

The McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148)
Component:
Site dimensions:
UTMs (NAD 27):
Landform:
Soil Type:
Recommendation:
Historic: early 19th-20th century
155 x 15 m (344 x 49 ft)*
E434892.68 N3957322.99
Low ridge/Stream terrace
Unison fine sandy loam 2-8% slopes
Previously determined eligible
*Within current project corridor
Site 31BK148 represents the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation, which as now recorded,
consists of the 19t''-20th century McDowell House site and associated buildings and other facilities; these
are situated on a ca. 6-acre tract owned by the Historic Burke Foundation. The McDowell House is part of
the larger Quaker Meadows Plantation, which encompassed a vast area along the Catawba River initially
granted to Joseph McDowell in 1749-1750 (see Robinson 2004; Robinson and Moore 1992:4). The two-
story brick McDowell House was built in 1812 by Charles McDowell Jr. and faces St. Marys Road; the
current Original alignment survey corridor crosses the front and side yards ofthe McDowell House (Figures
5.12-5.13; see Figure 5.5). There were also buildings associated with the complex on the east side of St.
Marys Church Road across from the project area that date to the late 19th—mid-20th centuries, the remains
of which have been described by Robinson (2004:9). While several archaeological studies have been
conducted associated with the McDowell House (and associated larger plantation) in targeted locations, the
overall extent of the site is unknown, and a full survey has not been accomplished of the ca. 6-acre
McDowell House tract or of other areas that could contain related resources; for example, the location of
the associated enslaved persons habitation areas are unknown as are any related cemeteries.
Shovel tests within the project corridor at 31BK148 encountered variable soils, and no plowzone is clearly
present in all tests or any consistent well-defined A horizon (Figure 5.14; Table 5.2); soils were very
compact in some areas, particularly where an old driveway crosses the area. Soils are mapped as Unison
fine sandy loam, which has a typical profile of 10 inches of loam overlying a clay Bt horizon (USDA 2022).
A reddish clay or sandy clay loam subsoil (Bt) was encountered in most shovel tests, but the soils overlying
the subsoil were inconsistent in color and depth, which makes the artifact contexts difficult to interpret,
although some were clearly from disturbed contexts.
Artifacts were recovered from 16 of 32 shovel tests excavated along the corridor (Figure 5.12; Table 5.2).
Artifacts include bricks, nails, whiteware, porcelain, pearlware, stoneware, dark green glass, colorless glass,
and milk glass (e.g., Figures 5.15 and 5.16). These include kitchen and architectural artifacts, and some are
undoubtably related to the McDowell House occupation, but some may be related to the farm buildings
located across the road.
The buildings on the east side of St. Marys Church Road as described by Robinson (2004:9) consist of:
the remains of six or seven farm structures, some made of logs and some of boards (Figures
3 and 4). These are evidenced by several mounded piles of timbers and roofing materials, and the
presence of sill timbers and boards, some deteriorated and some in their original configuration.
Several of the timbers are still located on or associated with stone piers. Other stone piers were
found without any associated timbers. These are the remains of agricultural outbuildings
associated with the McDowell farmstead in the early to mid twentieth century. Some of the
structures could also date from the last decade or two of the nineteenth century.
32

Site Boundary (within survey limits)
Figure 5.12. Site 31BK148 map.
33

Figure 5.13. View of the corridor at 31BK148, view north.
Figure 5.14. Shovel Test 119 at 31BK148.
34

Table 5.2. Shovel Test Information and Artifacts from 31BK148.
Count Comme
1-1
probable cut nail head
Py
w
5 Y
y '
iti
7,3
ct
W P. 'a an
U
ct
% I
A O N
Death* Soils Encounte
colorless container glass
N
dark green container glass
O
0
0
Pa
0
vp
0
O
ct
ct
0
CC73C
CU
N
0 ct
0 ct
.a 0 ct
0 y .)
N
cC C
Nct -0 O
ct z
O ct ct
T i•r
ct R. r ¢
z,--0 z V to
ct ct O ct ,
un P. on
d 0 o E
_ '- _ 0 an
O - ^E
-r
oU 0 0ti cC
C.)�d y-. O O N
U o 0 0 ct E
very compact soils
dark green container glass
N
>, N1.
Fr
cn N
cn
s.
cl, to
U cn N
^ U bA
0 P +r
U
U N
000
O o P.
O Vl
N N I OI M
O O — N O
0
'a
0 00
C1-1 0 0
CA)U -, O N
3-4
C�
CI)O €7 ct
0 E C.)—O 00
O
OC
M -O
'CS V t N
O
0
Tct
0 rC .0 E ,9
E � � > E 01)
o
- N _o N U ---- yZ
71- 71-
N
N
0
rn
N
M O
35

Count Comme
Table 5.2. Shovel Test Information and Artifacts from 31BK148.
1-1
\
(
(
unidentified refined earthenware (burned)
whiteware or porcelain cup handle
\ \
c c
33 cm reddish brown loam over 7 cm reddish
(
1-1
brick fragment, dark green container glass
cut nail fragment
\ \ \
t brown (7.5
7 2 7
37 cm reddish brown silt loam over 14 cm red
26 cm reddish brown silt loam over 26 cm red
3
36

Figure 5.15. Selected artifacts from 31BK148. a) dark green container glass fragment, ST 106; b) cut nail
fragment, ST 122; c) blue transfer print pearlware sherd, ST 107; d) alkaline glazed stoneware fragment, ST 10
Figure 5.16. Curved brick fragment from ST 6 at 31BK148.
37

In addition to the artifacts recovered associated with the McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation, a
foundation remnant is located adjacent to and partially within the project corroder. Previous archaeological
testing of this foundation determined it was a mid-20th century construction and it may be a contributing
resource to the historic McDowell House property (Robinson 2008; Figure 5.17).
In summary, shovel tests at 31BK148 produced 42 artifacts and a 20th century foundation remnant is
adjacent to the project corridor. Artifacts are consistent with the early 19th-20th centuries. The contexts of
these artifacts are difficult to interpret based on shovel test data alone and it is impossible to determine
whether the materials recovered are incidental or may represent areas that may contain features (e.g., wells,
landscaping features). The variety of materials indicates significant deposits could be present. While front
yards have relatively low potential to contain features or significant deposits (Borstel 2005), wells or other
features may be located in front of structures and clearly in the case of the McDowell House, structures
were constructed in the side yard and across the road in later years. The McDowell House/Quaker Meadows
Plantation (31BK148) has already been listed in the NRHP and avoidance is recommended. If the site
cannot be avoided by selection of the Overland route, further work will be necessary to assess the contexts
of the material recovered during the current survey, and mitigation and data recovery may be necessary.
Figure 5.17. Northeastern corner of foundation partially within project corridor at 31BK148, view west.
38

6. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
TRC has completed an archaeological survey for the proposed Bost Road Sewer project in Burke County,
North Carolina. The project includes two alignments (Original and Overland) that together measure
approximately 2,817 meters (1.75 miles) and encompass two alternatives for the project that largely
overlap; the easements are 50 ft (15 m) wide and include the proposed permanent and temporary corridor
easements.
The field survey was conducted from June 23—July 1, 2022, was directed by Michael Nelson, and required
14 person days to accomplish. The survey included the excavation of 125 shovel tests (including delineation
tests), as well as inspection of eroded surfaces.
There had been no prior systematic archaeological survey within the project alignments, although a
previously recorded prehistoric site (31BK174) is mapped within the project boundaries (both alternatives)
that was discovered by observation of surface artifacts during a survey in 1990 (Robinson 1990); that site
contained lithic and ceramic artifacts, but is unassessed for NRHP eligibility. The area of 31BK174 within
the project area is now located within a golf course and has been subjected to substantial landscape
modification and no evidence of the site was found within the survey limits. The site form for 31BK174
contains a map that depicts the site a little north of the location shown in the OSA's GIS database.
In addition, one alternative (Original) is directly adjacent to the NRHP listed McDowell House/Quaker
Meadows Plantation, which is recorded as archaeological site 31BK148 and historic resource BK0010
(Robinson 2004, 2008; Robinson and Moore 1992). The Original alignment is approximately 50 m from
the McDowell House itself, which faces St. Marys Church Road. Artifacts were discovered associated with
the site within the project corridor along St. Marys Church Road. TRC recommends avoidance of the
McDowell House/Quaker Meadows Plantation (31BK148) area; 16 of the shovel tests excavated along St
Marys Church Road yielded a variety of historic artifacts (e.g., brick, ceramics, glass, nails). The alignment
in this area is also adjacent to a foundation remnant that is likely a mid-20tl century construction that may
be a contributing resource to the Quaker Meadows Historic Site (Robinson 2008); if the site cannot be
avoided by selection of the alternative Overland alignment, additional testing will be necessary to assess
the deposits within the project area and it is probable that mitigation efforts would be necessary if the site
were to be impacted.
The survey resulted in the identification of two new prehistoric archaeological sites (31BK589 and
31BK590). The newly discovered resources lack the integrity, artifact density, and/or site clarity that would
allow them to produce substantial information concerning the prehistory of the area. TRC recommends that
sites 31BK589 and 31BK590 are not eligible for the NRHP (within the survey limits) and recommends no
additional archaeological investigation at these locations for this project as currently defined.
Table 6.1. Archaeological Sites Identified or Relocated by the Bost Road Sewer Project Survey.
NRHP Eligibility
Site Component Recommendation
31BK148 (McDowell House/ Historic: early 19th-20th century Listed in NRHP (determined
Quaker Meadows Plantation) previously); Avoidance
recommended
31BK589 Prehistoric: (Isolated non -diagnostic lithic) Not eligible*
31BK590 Prehistoric: (unidentified ceramic) Not eligible*
*Recommendation based on the site as defined within the current project boundaries
39

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40

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46

APPENDIX 1: ARTIFACT CATALOG

Depth
Site Bag# Uni# ST Horizon (curbs) ArtType RawMat/Temper/Material
31BK148 2 HI
31BK148 1 H2
31BK148 3 HI
31BK148 5 HI
31BK148 4 H2
31BK148 6 HI
31BK148 6 H2
31BK148 6 H3
31BK148 7 HI
31BK148 8 HI
31BK148 8 H2
31BK148 8 H3
31BK148 9 HI
31BK148 10 HI
31BK148 10 H2
31BK148 10 H3
31BK148 10 H4
31BK148 11 HI
31BK148 12 HI
31BK148 12 H2
31BK148 12 H3
31BK148 13 HI
31BK148 13 H2
31BK148 14 HI
31BK148 15 HI
31BK148 16 HI
31BK148 17 HI
31BK148 17 H2
31BK148 18 HI
31BK589 19 L1
31BK590 21 P1
31BK590 20 P1
6 43-54
6 0-10
7 23-32
8 25-33
8 Fill/Dist 0-20
10 Dist 0-25
10 Dist 0-25
10 Dist 0-25
11 0-26
13 12-30
13 12-30
13 12-30
106 20-25
107 0-31
107 0-31
107 0-31
107 0-31
112 0-14
113 9-25
113 9-25
113 9-25
114 14-30
114 14-30
115 0-15
119 0-25
120 0-20
121 10-37
121 10-37
122 0-26
24 0-20
92 Dist 13-26
98 Fill 0-10
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
HIST
LDEB
PCER
PCER
brick fragments
hand painted/transfer print whiteware?
nail fragment?
dark green container glass
colorless container glass
coal
colorless flat glass
alkaline glazed stoneware
colorless glass
colorless container glass
milk glass Mason jar cap liner
canning lid
dark green container glass
colorless container glass
porcelain
blue transfer print pearlware
flat glass, blue/green tint
brick fragment
transfer print, molded, ud refined earthenware
blue shell edged pearlware?
ud refined earthenware
nail fragments
colorless flat glass
ud refined earthenware
whiteware or porcelain handle
whiteware?
brick fragment
dark green container glass
cut nail fragment
chert
uid dec, c sand temper, scraped/combed interior
eroded, f-m sand temper, no interior
Cortex Count Size_cm Wt (g) Comments
2
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
N 1 1-3
1
1
>400
1.4
2
0.1
2.3
0.2
0.3
26.9
4.3
15
28
4
0.9
0.5
1.3
2
0.4
110.5
1.6
2.1
2.8
6.6
0.9
0.4
1.2
0.7
0.5
0.5
3.6
1 curved (landscape or well lining brick)
molded rim.
prob. head to cut nail
not sure of vessel form on this, possibly bowl or plate?
one possibly solarized
probable Mason jar fragment?
zinc?
poss. solarized
burned
poss wire nails
slight blue-green tint
burned
cup handle
fresh break, all mend; cord marked?

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