C O N S E R V A N C Y
New Excavations Lead to a Surprising Discovery SOUTHEAST—Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago, led by Cameron Wesson, braved extremes in weather to complete an archaeological survey of the Conservancy’s 60-acre Samuel Preserve near Wetumpka, Alabama. The Samuel Preserve possesses several distinct archaeological features, including mound groups and middens that were originally recorded over 30 years ago by archaeologist David Chase. Since their recording, the sites have remained undisturbed. Wesson, who originally believed the sites were separate from one another, hoped to learn more about the cultural affiliations of the various sites, paying particular attention to the mound groups. The Conservancy planned to utilize the information gained from the survey to better manage the preserve. After completing over 500 shovel tests at 20-meter intervals, it became apparent that the Samuel Preserve was not several distinct sites but one very large site dating to the end of the Woodland period (A.D. 850–1100), with Archaic and Creek Indian components. Wesson found copious amounts of pottery throughout the preserve resembling the later
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Mississippian ceramic styles but fashioned in the Woodland method. This unexpected turn of events indicates the site was occupied at the end of the Woodland period and promises to shed light on the origins of the Mississippian culture. However, one feature particularly piqued Wesson’s interest: the so-called “Doughnut Mound.” When the site was originally recorded, archaeologists believed the Doughnut Mound to be a burial mound or midden that looters had dug out in the distant past, leaving only an earthen ring. Wesson excavated a few test units to l earn more about the mound. What he found shocked and amazed archaeologists Working in a trench on the top of Doughnut Mound, throughout Alabama. researchers identify the various layers of soil used to Wesson determined that construct the mound. the Doughnut Mound was not a mound at all, but a structure. are known to date to as early as the Additional excavations confirmed his Woodland period,” states archaeologist theory; he had located an earthlodge, Craig Sheldon, chairman of Alabama’s a rare, semi-subterranean type of Historical Commission. “The struccouncil house similar in many respects ture resembles one I excavated at Fusihatchee, but this structure is about to the kivas found in the Southwest. eight hundred years older and is “Few earthlodges have ever been enormous for the Woodland period.” discovered in Alabama, and no others
winter
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2000–2001
CAMERON WESSON
Field Notes
