Article Title

Archeological Survey For The Proposed Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., Robert L. Reynolds ET AL. Substation, Little Elm, Denton County, Texas

Authors

Melissa M. Green

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

0n December 2, 2014, an intensive archeological survey was completed in order to evaluate potential archeological impacts associated with the proposed construction of a new electrical substation within an approximately 20-acre (8-hectare) parcel in Little Elm, Denton County, Texas. Melissa M. Green (Principal Investigator) of Cox|McLain Environmental Consulting, Inc. (CMEC) carried out the survey for Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (BEPC) and the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS) under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. A Texas Antiquities Permit was not required.

Ground surface visibility across most of the 20-acre area of potential effects (APE) was variable and ranged between 0 and 50 percent. The APE is an active farm with three dwellings and associated outbuildings, pasture, and active cultivated fields. Two of the dwellings postdate 1962, while an older component, the original dwelling and outbuildings dates to the mid-1940s. The original dwelling (ca. 1945) and a nearby barn are recorded as site 41DN589. Artifacts found at site 41DN589 include glass and ceramics and date to the mid-twentieth century (1940s-1960s). Site 41DN589 is recommended as not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Although site 41DN589 still functions as a farm, as it was originally intended, and therefore maintains much of its original integrity through design, materials, and association, the site is one of many similar sites that still dot the landscape. Therefore, site 41DN589 is recommended as not eligible for listing on the NRHP and no further work is recommended within the APE.

No artifacts were collected during the investigation. However, all notes, photographs, administrative documents, and other project data generated from this work will be made permanently available to future researchers while housed at Texas Archeological Research laboratory in Austin.

If any unanticipated cultural materials or deposits are found at any stage of clearing, preparation, or construction, the work should cease and Texas Historical Commission (THC) personnel should be notified immediately.

The THC concurred with the findings and recommendations of this report on January 7, 2015 (see Appendix A).

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