Article Title

Archaeological Survey of the CPS Butler Lignite Prospect, Bastrop and Lee Counties, Texas, 1984

Authors

Anna J. Taylor

Abstract

From July through September of 1984, personnel from the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of 984.96 hectares (2433.82 acres) of the CPS Butler lignite prospect in northern Bastrop County and southern Lee County, Texas. These investigations are part of a series of archaeological surveys sponsored by City Public Service of San Antonio, who plan a lignite mining project in the area. The purpose of the survey was to meet federal requirements of eligibility status of any archaeological site as to National Register of Historic Places qualification, so that proper measures can be taken prior to brush clearing in the area, and ultimately before any lignite mining activities occur.

Fourteen archaeological sites were identified during this project. The three prehistoric sites (41 BP 271, 41 BP 272, 41 LE 85) are all small lithic scatters. One of these sites, 41 LE 85, also has a historic component. None of the prehistoric sites are considered eligible for designation as a State Archeological Landmark or nomination to the National Register of Historic Places because of their low potential for yielding additional information.

Twelve historic sites were located during this investigation (41 BP 202, 41 BP 272, 41 BP 274, 41 BP 275, 41 BP 276,41 BP 277,41 BP 278, 41 LE 85, 41 LE 86, 41 LE 87, 41 LE 88, 41 LE 89), one (41 BP 202) of which was a previously recorded historic site. These sites are homesteads, outbuildings, and debris scatters. All of these sites are considered to be not eligible for designation as a State Archeological Landmark or nomination to the National Register as their information yield potentials appear to be low.