C O N S E RVA N C Y
George Lowry
Field Notes
A group of volunteers worked for several days helping the Conservancy clean up the Cavanaugh Mound.
Cavanaugh Mound Clean Up SOUTHEAST—The Conservancy recently began a maintenance project at one of its largest Southeastern mounds. Cavanaugh Mound is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and it overlooks the Poteau and Arkansas river bottoms. Little research has been done at the site, which was acquired in 2005, but archaeologists believe the mound is affiliated with the same people who built and occupied the nearby Spiro site approximately a.d. 900-1300. Many years ago a large portion of dirt was taken from the east side of the mound, possibly for use as fill for
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development projects. This created an erosion problem that must be dealt with. However, before the erosion can be addressed, the thick growth of brush and small trees that cover most of the site must be removed. This will clear the way for stabilization efforts and will also discourage the common practice of dumping trash at the site. For three days in March, with the help of members of the Arkansas Archaeological Survey, the Arkansas Archaeological Society, the City of Fort Smith, and local volunteers, the Conservancy began the job of clearing the lot of trash and vegetation. Before
stabilizing Cavanaugh’s east side begins, Tim Mulvihill of the Arkansas Archaeological Survey plans to examine the mound’s profile to learn more about its construction. Many prehistoric mounds were constructed one level at a time with long intervals between construction episodes. These levels are usually visible when a mound’s profile is carefully exposed. A great deal of work remains before any research and interpretation can take place.“With the help of some really dedicated and hard-working volunteers,” said Southeast Regional Director Jessica Crawford,“we’re well on our way.”
summer • 2010
