Book Description

During the period from November 2008 through July 2009, the LCRA Archaeology Services staff conducted an intensive cultural resource survey of the proposed Hutto to Clear Springs 345 kV transmission line project. The transmission line extends for a length of approximately 85 miles through portions of Williamson, Travis, Hays, Caldwell, and Guadalupe counties, Texas. Additionally, the survey area included about 3.75 miles of rerouted transmission line corridor segments. Field investigation of high and moderate probability areas and reconnaissance of other areas led to the identification and assessment of 62 cultural resource sites within the approximately 1,339 acre project area. The 62 cultural resource sites consist of 41 prehistoric components and 37 historic components. Four prehistoric campsites recorded during the field investigation are assessed as potentially meriting formal designation as State Archeological Landmarks due to the presence of buried cultural deposits with good contextual integrity. These four sites consist of 41 WM1228, 41CW136, 41CW137, and 41GU119. At 41WM1228 and 41CW136 intact, buried burned rock features were discovered along with accompanying chipped stone artifacts. The high volumes of burned rock debris found at 41GU119 suggest that similar buried burned rock features are present at that site in nearby untested areas. At 41CW137, indications of buried, stratified prehistoric deposits were observed during work as indicated by increases/decreases in artifact totals in the various 20 cm thick subsurface testing levels.