In 2007 the Society received a donation of an archaeological survey done in the eastern part of Queensbury, New York by the Louis Berger Group, Inc. in preparation for development of an industrial site.
The 2005 survey found limited evidence of Native American occupation that would warrant an extensive survey. There appeared to be some charcoal as evidence of itinerant camp fires.
But the survey did document Native American presence in the area dating back to 2500 BC.
The first step in the archaeological survey was to plow a pattern in the field which was to be developed. Aerial photos of the site document this activity.
Archaeological staff would then walk the field noting and possible archaeological evidence and areas of concentration.
Test holes and trenches would then be dug in these areas. Artifacts were carefully mapped and catalogued.
First page of the archaeological survey notes.
Below are samples of artifacts that were found during this survey that document Native American presence
Native American endscraper. Chert, Catalogue 1 specimen 39
Three scraping edges. Terminal Woodland. (1400 AD to 1600 AD)
Native American projectile point, Chert, Catalogue 1 Specimen 34
Levanna (Ritchie 1961:31) Late Woodland (1100 AD to 1600 AD)
Native American projectile point. Chert. Catalogue 2 Specimen 6
Levanna (Ritchie 1961:31. Late Woodland (1100 AD to 1600 AD)
Native American projectile point tip. Chert. Catalogue 2 Specimen 33.
Possible Orient Fishtail (Ritchie 1961:39). Terminal Archaic. (c.1300 BC)
Native American projectile point. Chert. Catalogue 1 Specimen 15.
Snook Kill (Ritchie 1961:1:47) Late Archaic. Nearly whole, tip missing. (2000 BC to 1300 BC)
Native American projectile point. Normanskill Chert. Catalogue 10 Specimen 26. Whole.
Normanskill (Ritchie 1961:37) Late Archaic. (2000 BC to 1300 BC)
Native American projectile point. Rhyolite. Catalogue 1 Specimen 65, Nearly Whole.
Bremerton Side-notched. (Ritchie 1961:19) Middle to Late Archaic. (2500 BC to 1300 BC)
Native American projectile point. Catalogue 1 Specimen 62. Chert. broken. heat damaged.
Snook Kill. (Ritchie 1961:47) Late Archaic. (2500 BC to 1300 BC)
This collection contains approximately .75 cu.ft. of artifacts. Published material consists of maps photos and listing of artifacts bound in two separate volumes. Vol. 1 Phase 1A/B. Vol. 2 Archaeological Survey.
edited by Tom Lynch, Collections Manager
contact: [email protected]
Source: The Louis Berger Group Inc. Collection # 73
Warren County NY Historical Society.