Testing and Excavation of JA643

Prior to the funding for the construction of grade stabilization measures for an NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) project to protect a county road, the project area had to be tested to identify cultural resources. (As a Federal agency, NRCS must comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.) Southern Research (Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc. of Ellerslie, GA) is under contract with the local co-sponsor of the EWP project to determine if a known cultural resource or archeological site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Photographs of the Southern Research archeologists at work show excavation units, water screening, and sorting shell remains prior to weighing and discard. After the fieldwork is complete, an analysis of the archeological remains will be conducted and a report submitted to the local county, Alabama NRCS, and the Alabama Historical Commission for review and comments.

Archaeological Testing at the Hogjaw Valley Site, 1Ja643, Jackson County, Alabama

Professional archeologists attempt to provide information regarding our national heritage, our knowledge of the past, and inquiries about the human condition. It is part of the ethical code of professional archeologists that the past belongs to everyone. The Federal archeological community has identified a need for an organized and comprehensive public outreach effort at the national level which can provide a framework for regional and local public support for America's archeological resources. The goals of the program are to:

• foster a feeling of ownership of and responsibility for our common heritage;
• increase public understanding of the science of archeology;
• enhance public awareness of the current problem involving archeological resources such as looting;
• increase understanding of how the public's actions affect archeological resources; and,
• increase public involvement in legitimate archeological activities.

The following report represents one part of this program and is intended to promote public awareness as well as further our understanding of life on the Tennessee River in northeast Alabama more than 5,000 years ago. The archeological investigation of Site 1JA643 was initiated as a result of compliance with a federal law – more specifically, Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966). It is hoped that this "on-line" report will illustrate, promote and enhance the purpose and profession of archaeology.

Report on Archaeological Testing at the Hogjaw Valley Site, 1Ja643, Jackson County, Alabama (be patient, may  take a few minutes to load.)

These documents require Adobe Acrobat.

Introduction  (850 KB) 
Chapter 1 (5 MB)
Chapter 2 (297 KB)
Chapter 3 (11 MB)
Chapters 4-5 (178 KB)
References (324 KB)
Appendices (136 KB)

PLEASE NOTE: Site 1JA643 is on federal property under the jurisdiction of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Archaeological and historic sites on federal lands or under federal jurisdiction are protected cultural resources. Illegal excavation, removal or destruction of cultural resources on federal lands is prohibited:

TITLE 43--PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIOR

Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior

PART 7--PROTECTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm) establishes procedures providing protection for archaeological resources located on public lands and Indian lands of the United States.

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) as amended, provides a means to assertively protect the ancient and historic remains of the cultures that have inhabited Federal and Indian lands.

The Act provides for criminal and civil penalties against those who excavate, remove, damage, or otherwise alter or deface archeological resources, or attempt to do so, without a permit.

Criminal enforcement of ARPA has become an active part of the repertoire of agencies across the U.S. It is not unusual for vehicles and the tools of the violation to be subjected to seizure in connection with the criminal prosecution. In a criminal prosecution, in addition to or in lieu of a period of confinement, the defendant may be ordered to pay a fine. The fine also may replace a prison term.

Any person who commits a prohibited act on the lands under the jurisdiction of ARPA is liable under the law.

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