Article Title

Intensive Archeological Survey of Old Gertrudes Road at Stewart Creek, Jack County, Texas

Authors

Steve Carpenter
Christopher Shelton

Agency

Texas Historical Commission

Abstract

On behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) conducted an intensive archeological survey on January 4, 2018, of 0.74 acre of existing right-of-way (ROW) and temporary easement along Old Gertrudes Road in Jack County, Texas. Because the project will receive funding from the Federal Highways Administration, it qualifies as an undertaking as defined in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 800.16(y) and, therefore, the work was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S. Code 306108). Furthermore, the project must also comply with the Antiquities Code of Texas (9 Natural Resources Code 191). Kevin Hanselka served as Principal Investigator under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8247.

The total area of potential effects (APE) extends approximately 375 feet along the east-west roadway, covering 0.58 acre of existing ROW and a 0.16-acre temporary construction easement, representing a total of 0.74 acre. Typical depth of impacts is expected to be approximately 12 to 24 inches for the approaches, while maximum depth of impacts may reach over 10 feet for bridge supports.

Background research identified no archeological sites, historic markers, State Antiquities Landmarks, or properties eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the APE or within a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) radius review area. However, the review of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps identified a historic grave 275 feet northeast of the APE. One previous survey, a 2012 linear survey, was conducted within the review area approximately 0.5 mile northeast of the APE. In addition, the historic map review identified several potential historic structures or other resources within 0.6 mile of the APE, but none within or immediately adjacent to the APE.

The field investigation of the proposed project APE consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey with shovel testing and examination of extensive natural exposures. The existing ROW is heavily disturbed by existing roadway, but the temporary easement is relatively undisturbed. The investigations identified no archeological resources. SWCA has made a reasonable and good faith effort to locate and identify historic properties as per 36 CFR Part 800.4(b)(1), and cultural resources as per Subchapter A of Chapter 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, throughout the proposed project APE. Based on the results of the survey, SWCA recommends a finding of “no historic properties affected,” and no further archeological investigations are recommended within the APE.

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