Phase I Intensive Archaeological Investigation of the Proposed Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Detention and Stream Realignment Project, West Branch, Cedar County, Iowa

Collins, Angela; Horgan, Daniel

A Phase I archaeological survey was conducted by the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist at the location of the proposed Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (HEHO) water detention and stream realignment project in West Branch, Cedar County, Iowa. The field investigation was conducted from September to November 2018. The project was investigated through the excavation of 180 deep auger tests, 20 shovel probes, and 8 soil probes. Approximately one-half of the project area had been previously surveyed for cultural resources, mainly north of Interstate 80 and along the western boundary. The current project is comprised of five areas (A–E) spanning 12.0 ha (29.7 ac) overall. Proposed work include the water detention basin (Area A), a temporary haul road leading from the basin (Area B), construction of visual berms from the spoil materials (Area C), restoration along Hoover Creek east of the footbridge into West Branch (Area D), and a new sewer line south of the creek (Area E). The project area intersects with three previously identified archaeological sites: 13CD138 (Herbert Hoover’s Birthplace Cottage), 13CD147 (an unevaluated historic midden), and 13CD250 (unevaluated historic debris scatter/ building remains). The current project area overlaps with the southern mapped boundary of site 13CD138, currently listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places (NRHP); however, no historic features or structures were observed or have been previously reported in the vicinity of planned work. We recommend that the current undertaking will not adversely affect 13CD138. 13CD147 was initially recorded on the southern bank of Hoover Creek, but there were no indications of the site during the current investigation; its historical significance has not been determined. 13CD250 may represent secondary context structure debris or a possible building foundation to an unrecorded structure. Historical research suggests it is older than 50 years, and may be a contributing element to the historical significance of HEHO. Additional archaeological work is recommended for both 13CD147 and 13CD250 in the form of construction monitoring and documentation. No new archaeological sites were identified within the project area during the current investigation. No prehistoric artifacts were recovered from any of the subsurface auger tests. Historic-period flood deposits were identified at several test locations but none appears to represent intact historic features or have yielded diagnostic material. Historicperiod debris recovered across Areas A, D, and E include small fragments of field tile, possible brick fragments, metal fragments, glass fragments, and one tiny porcelain fragment. Given the extensive subsurface survey, the lack of archaeological findings, and the lack of potential for intact archaeological sites in areas of previous disturbance, no further archaeological investigation is recommended of all surveyed areas except 13CD147 and 13CD250 prior to the proposed project activities.

Phase I Intensive Archaeological Investigation of the Proposed Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Detention and Stream Realignment Project, West Branch, Cedar County, Iowa

Collections