The remains of First Street : phosphate testing and archaeological excavation at the James F. D. Lanier State Historic Site in Madison, Indiana

Abstract

Archaeological investigations rarely focus on streets and street related features. This thesis adds to the literature on this topic by discussing the archaeological excavation of the James F.D. Lanier State Historic Site. The excavation explored the integrity of First Street and its related components. Phosphate testing was also utilized to aid the identification of early street surfaces. The excavation revealed massive disturbance of the street due to landscaping activities. Possible street surfaces as well as intact features such as a section of concrete, streetside rain gutter, brick sidewalk, and fence base stones revealed that not all was destroyed.