An Archeological Overview and Management Plan for the Harry Diamond Laboratories - Blossom Point Test Site
Creators: name: Gardner, William
name: Nolan, James L.
name: Otter, Edward
name: Klein, Joel I.
Publisher: name: Envirosphere Company
Year: 1985
Subjects: Charles County (County)
Nanjemoy Creek
Potomac River
Maryland (State / Territory)
Port Tobacco River
Blossom Point, MD
Cedar Neck Point
Early Woodland
Middle Woodland
Historic
Late Archaic
18CH222
18CH218
18CH224
18CH7
18CH223
18CH5
18CH215
BP-2
18CH159
BP-1
18CH226
BP-4
18CH225
BP-3
18CH163
18CH155
18CH157
18CH161
18CH213
18CH214
18CH217
18CH162
18CH227
18CH228
18CH156
Ballast House
18CH160
18CH219
18CH220
18CH221
18CH229
18CH216
18CH158
Cemetery
Trash Midden
House
Artifact Scatter
Domestic Structure or Architectural Complex
Midden
Shell
Ceramic
Fire Cracked Rock
Shell midden
Lithic Scatter
Collections Management
Heritage Management

description: This archeological overview and management plan provides a tool which can be used by DARCOM and decision makers at the Harry Diamond Laboratories - Blossom Point Test Site to assist in complying with regulations and procedures relating to historic preservation (Technical Manual 5-801-1, Technical Note No. 78-17, Resource Management; 32 CFR 650.181-850.193; Army Regulation 420-40; Army Regulation 200-1; Army Regulation 200-2; 36 CFR 800). This document summarizes data relating to the area's environmental history; previous archeological surveys; presently identified archeological resources; known artifact, ecofact, and/or documentary collections relating to archeological resources; potentially identifiable but not presently-recorded archeological resources; significant archeological resources; ongoing and planned activities that could affect archeological resources; locational data of known archeological resources; and locational data of potential archeological resources. A total of 28 archeological sites (10 historic and 18 prehistoric) are known to exist at the Blossom Point Test Site. One of the former is associated with the Ballast House, a standing structure, which has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places on architectural grounds. Available data are inadequate to assess the archeological significance of any of the known sites. However, the State Historic Preservation Officer has indicated that at least six archeological sites at the Blossom Point Test Site may represent significant historic and prehistoric cultural resources with research value. The physical integrity of these sites is unknown. Additional studies recommended Include: 1) undertaking subsurface testing in the vicinity of the Ballast House; 2) establishing the extent, integrity, depth, and significance of known archaeological sites via subsurface testing; 3) extending field survey coverage into areas of the facility which have not been formally surveyed; 4) using Landsat Imagery analysis to survey areas of the facility In which explosives contamination makes conventional survey techniques impractical and hazardous. In the absence of approved future development plans, no recommendations can be made concerning specific proposed projects. However, this document recommends that the Harry Diamond Laboratories - Blossom Point Test Site develop procedures to monitor existing sites, to deal with unanticipated archeological finds, and to inform employees of DARCOM’s historic preservation responsibilities.