HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230378 Washington Land Disturbance Archeological Study
September 24, 2024
Saratoga Springs Planning Board
Attn: Chuck Martin, Chair
City Hall – 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Re: 239 Washington Street Land Disturbance/Wetland Permit
Dear Chairman Martin:
At the workshop last Thursday, significant information was requested from the members present pertaining
to various inquiries on the above referenced project. As we proactively seek to obtain answers to the
inquiries raised, we anticipate needing additional time to obtain and digest information from the city
engineer pertaining to the hydrology studies done in connection with Washington Street Phase IV
stormwater upgrades. The Labella team will be reaching out directly to James. As such, we are requesting
a brief adjournment to the October 10, 2024 meeting. As information is obtained, we will be providing it to
you or building it into our presentation.
I am including the requested Phase IA and IB Archeological study completed for the project for the Board’s
review. This has been submitted to NYSOPHRP for their review. The report reflects that no cultural
resources were found within the site, including no historic structures or archeological resources. We
anticipate receiving a determination of no effect.
We look forward to providing responses to the Board’s inquiries and presenting to you on October 10,
2024. Thank you for this brief adjournment to allow our team to be responsive to the Board’s concerns.
Very truly yours,
Stephanie W. Ferradino
Cc: Susan Barden
Enc.
Phase 1A Literature Review and Sensitivity Analysis &
Phase 1B Archaeological Field Reconnaissance Survey
Mohr Service Center
239 Washington Street
City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York
15PR02402
Prepared for:
Mohr Service Center
239 Washington Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
HUDSON VALLEY
Cultural Resource Consultants, Ltd.
3 Lyons Drive Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
July 2015: Revised 2024
Management Summary
SHPO Project Review Number (if available): 15PR02402
Involved State and Federal Agencies: NYSDEC (SWPPP), City of Saratoga Springs
Phase of Survey: Phase 1A Literature Review & Sensitivity Analysis & Phase 1B Archaeological Field
Reconnaissance Survey
Location Information:
Location: 239 Washington Street
Minor Civil Division: City of Saratoga Springs
County: Saratoga
Survey Area (Metric & English)
Length: 1043.7’/318.2 m
Width: 567.5/173 m
Depth (when appropriate):
Number of Acres Surveyed: 8.9 acres (3.6 hectares)
Number of Square Meters & Feet Excavated (Phase II, Phase III only): N/A
Percentage of the Site Excavated (Phase II, Phase III only):
USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Map: Saratoga Springs
Archaeological Survey Overview
Number & Interval of Shovel Tests:
Number & Size of Units: N/A
Width of Plowed Strips: N/A
Surface Survey Transect Interval: N/A
Results of Archaeological Survey
Number & name of precontact sites identified: 0
Number & name of historic sites identified: 0
Number & name of sites recommended for Phase II/Avoidance: N/A
Report Author (s): Beth Selig, MA, RPA.
Date of Report: July 2015, Revised September 2024
Table of Contents
List of Figures & List of Tables
List of Photographs
I. Phase 1A Literature Search and Sensitivity Assessment .......................................... 1
A. Mohr Service Center Property Project Description ........................................................... 1
B. Environmental Conditions ................................................................................................... 8
1. Soils .................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Geology........................................................................................................................... 10
3. Drainage.......................................................................................................................... 10
C. Recorded Archaeological Sites and Surveys .................................................................... 11
1. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites ................................................................. 11
2. Previously Completed Archaeological Surveys ......................................................... 12
D. Historic Context .................................................................................................................... 12
1. Cartographic Research .................................................................................................. 14
E. National Register Eligible/Listed Sites .............................................................................. 21
F. Assessment of Sensitivity for Cultural Resources ............................................................ 21
1. Precontact Sensitivity .................................................................................................... 21
2. Historic Sensitivity ........................................................................................................ 21
G. Summary and Recommendations ...................................................................................... 21
II. Phase 1B Archaeological Field Reconnaissance Survey ........................................ 22
H. Archaeological Survey Methodology .................................................................................. 22
I. Archaeological Survey Results............................................................................................. 22
J. Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................................. 24
K. Bibliography .......................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix A: Shovel Test Records
List of Figures
Figure 1: Detail of the 2014 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga NY Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute
Series. (Source: USGS.gov.) Scale: 1”=1945.’
Figure 2: Aerial Image showing soil units within the Project APE. (Source: National Resources
Conservation Service.) Scale: 1”=200.’
Figure 3: David Burr 1829 Map of the County of Saratoga (Source: David Rumsey Map Collection)
Not to scale.
Figure 4: John Bevan 1850 Map of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Ct., New York (Source: Library of Congress)
Scale: 1”=362’..
Figure 5: Samuel Geil 1856 Map of Saratoga County: from Actual Surveys (Source: Library of Congress)
Scale: 1”=1500’.
Figure 6: S.N. & B.G. Beer’s 1866 New Topographical Atlas of Saratoga Co. New York. (Source: David
Rumsey Map Collection) Scale: 1”=1500’.
Figure 7: Cramer, L. H. Mott, J. W.1879 Map of the City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Co., N.Y. (Source:
Library of Congress) Scale: 1”=1000’.
Figure 8: 1902 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga Quadrangle. 15 Minute Series. (Source:
USGS.gov) Scale: 1”=1760’.
Figure 9: 1967 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga Springs Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute Series. (Source:
USGS.gov) Scale: 1”=1055’.
Figure 10: Mohr Service Center Property Phase 1B Archaeological Field Reconnaissance Survey. Scale
1”=150’.
List of Tables
Table 1: Soil Unit Descriptions (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2014)
Table 2: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within a one mile radius
Table 3: Previously Completed Archaeological Surveys within a one mile radius
List of Photographs
Photo 1: The Mohr Service Center property includes an existing gas station and convenience store.
View to the northeast.
Photo 2: The existing gas station is connected to the service center and car wash by asphalt parking
areas. View to the southwest.
Photo 3: Areas of pooled water and drainage areas are located in the southern portion of the Project
APE adjacent to the existing service station and car wash. View to the west.
Photo 4: The existing service station is accessed from Washington Street. View to the east
Photo 5: The landscape to the north of the existing service station has been bulldozed and piled with
fill. View to the east.
Photo 6: The landscape in the western portion of the Project APE has been disturbed. The
landscape is uneven resulting from an overburden of push piles. View to the west.
Photo 6: The landscape in the western portion of the Project APE has been disturbed. The
landscape is uneven resulting from an overburden of push piles. View to the west.
Photo 8: Wetlands are located in the northwestern portion of the Project APE. The northern portion
of the property is accessed from the American Legion parking lot. View to the east.
Photo 9: A large wetland (Wetland 2) is located in the northern portion of the Project APE. View to
the north.
Photo 10: An elevated knoll is located in the northeastern corner of the Project APE. Transects 6 and
7 comprehensively tested this area. View to the southwest.
Photo 11: The Mohr Service Center property is covered in recent forest growth and disturbed areas
that are overgrown with weeds. View to the northwest from service center parking lot.
Photo 12: The western boundary of the property is defined by soil and debris push piles associated
with the adjacent business and parking areas. View to the north.
Photo 13: The small waterway shown on the USGS topographical map is currently dry with no
standing or moving water present. View to the northwest.
Photo 14: The northwestern boundary of the property contains a steep berm of debris and disturbed
soils. View to the west.
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I. Phase 1A Literature Review and Sensitivity Assessment
A. Mohr Service Center Project Description
In June of 2015, Hudson Valley Cultural Resource Consultants (HVCRC) was retained by Mohr Service Center
to complete a Phase 1A Literature Review and Sensitivity Analysis and a Phase 1B Archaeological Field
Reconnaissance Survey of the Mohr Service Center Property, located at 239 Washington Street, northeast of
the intersection of Washington Street and West Avenue, City of Saratoga Springs, New York (15PR02402).
All work was completed in accordance with the Standards for Cultural Resource Investigations and the Curation of
Archeological Collections published by the New York Archeological Council (NYAC) and recommended for use
by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The report complies with
New York State OPRHP’ s Phase 1 Archaeological Report Format Requirements, established in 2005.
The Mohr Service Center Property (hereafter “the Project APE”) is bounded to the south by Washington Street
and to the west by West Avenue and commercial structures that front along West Avenue. The eastern
boundary is comprised of residential lawns and dwellings that front along Outlook Avenue. The northern
boundary is delineated by the parking lot associated with a building that is currently used by the American
Legion. The southern portion of the property currently contains a gas station that is accessed from both West
Avenue and Washington Street, and a car service center that is accessed from Washington Street. At the rear
of the existing service center is a large pile of bulldozed soils. The fill material was brought in from another
location to the property (Personal Communication Eric Mohr 6-22-15). A significant amount of historic
material was identified on the surface of the fill including historic bottles and ceramics.
The purpose of this report is to demonstrate compliance with Section 14:09 of the State Historic Preservation
Office given the need for a stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan under the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) General Permit (GP-0-20-001) and to address comments of the City
of Saratoga Springs. This report was first prepared in 2015 when development of the property was being
considered by the landowner. However, the project work ceased in 2015 prior to the submission of the report
to OPRHP. In 2024, Mr. Mohr restarted the project and the review for the aforementioned permits is still
applicable.
The Mohr Service Center property encompasses ±8.9 acres, of which approximately ±0.5 acres contains the
gas station and service center. The remainder of the property consists of shrub and open field habitat in the
south, lightly forested woodland in the north interspersed with two wetland areas. There are no US Army
Corps of Engineers (ACOE)or NYSDEC regulated wetlands within the Project, as of the time of this report.
At this time, the proposed undertaking is not finalized, however the existing structures on the property will
remain.
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Figure 1: Detail of the 2014 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga NY Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute Series. (Source:
USGS.gov.) Scale: 1”=1945’.
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Photo 1: The Mohr Service Center property includes an existing gas station and convenience store. View to
the northeast.
Photo 2: The existing gas station is connected to the service center and car wash by asphalt parking areas. View
to the southwest.
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Photo 3: Areas of pooled water and drainage areas for stormwater are located in the southern portion of the
Project APE adjacent to the existing service station and car wash. View to the west.
Photo 4: The existing service station is accessed from Washington Street. View to the east.
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Photo 5: The landscape to the north of the existing service station has been bulldozed and piled with fill. View
to the east.
Photo 6: The landscape in the western portion of the Project APE has been disturbed. The landscape is uneven
resulting from an overburden of push piles. View to the west.
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Photo 7: The landscape in the central portion of the Project APE consists of recent forest succession. Field
crew excavating Transect 1. View to the north.
Photo 8: Wetlands are located in the northwestern portion of the Project APE. The northern portion of the
property is accessed from the American Legion parking lot. View to the east.
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Photo 9: A wetland (Wetland 2) is located in the northern portion of the Project APE. View to the north.
Photo 10: An elevated knoll is located in the northeastern corner of the Project APE. Transects 6 and 7
comprehensively tested this area. View to the southwest.
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B: Environmental Conditions
The landscape within the Project APE consists of both developed and undeveloped lands. As previously stated
the Project APE contains a gas station and car service station, which are surrounded by asphalt parking areas
and access roads. The landscape within the northern portion of the Project APE consists of deciduous trees
and undergrowth consistent with that found in the Northern Hardwood Forest Zone. Typically, oak, beech,
maple, birch and hemlock trees are identified within this zone. This vegetation zone is described as a transitional
area in which oak and northern hardwood species intermingle with one another, particularly in the deeper and
wetter soils within the Hudson Valley (de Laubenfels 1977:95). The middle portion of the Project APE is a
mix of saplings and old field habitat. The southern portion of the Project is developed.
Moderate changes in elevation exist within the Project APE, with the landscape rising from the southern
boundary at 310’ (94.5 m) Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) to 320’ (97.5 m) AMSL along the northern boundary.
Soils
The soils within the Project APE consist of moderately well drained to excessively well drained soils. Although
the filling station and service center in the southern portion of the Project APE were constructed in the recent
past, the soils in this portion of the site have not been listed in the soils report as having been disturbed. Soils
on the Project APE are an important indicator of archaeological potential, with well drained soils having greater
potential to contain precontact cultural resources than those that are poorly drained.
Table 1: Soil Unit Descriptions (Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2014)
Map Unit
Symbol
Map Unit
Name Soil Horizons & Texture Slope Drainage Landform
DeA Deerfield loamy
fine sand
H1 - 0 - 10”:(0-25 cm)
loamy fine sand
H2 - 10 - 26”: (25-66 cm)
loamy fine sand
H3 - 26 - 72”: (66-180 cm)
fine sand
0 to 3%,
nearly level
Moderately
Well Drained
Deltas,
Terraces,
Outwash plains
DeB Deerfield Loamy
fine sand
Ap - 0 - 10”: (0-25 cm)
loamy fine sand
Bw1 - 10 – 14”:(25-35 cm)
loamy fine sand
Bw2 - 14 – 26”: (35-66cm)
loamy fine sand
C1 - 26 – 44”: (66-112 cm)
fine sand
C2 - 44 - 72”:(112- 183 cm)
fine sand
3 to 8%,
undulating
Moderately
Well Drained
Outwash plains,
Deltas, Terraces
WnC Windsor loamy
sand
Oe - 0 – 1”:(0-2.5 cm)
humic material
Ap - 1 – 11”:(2.5-28cm)
loamy sand
Bw - 11 – 31”:(28-79 cm)
loamy sand
8 to 15%
Deltas, Kames,
Eskers,
Outwash Plains
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Figure 2: Aerial Image showing soil units within the Project APE. (Source: National Resources Conservation Service.)
Scale: 1”=200.’
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Geology
The Hudson-Mohawk Lowlands is the predominant, if not dominant, physiographic province of the eastern
part of New York State, including Saratoga County. This physiographic province consists of the valleys of the
Hudson and Mohawk Rivers from the Lake George/Lake Champlain area in the north and the St. Johnsville
area in the west, south to the vicinity of Harriman in Orange County (Spectra 2004: Appendix C).
Surficial geological deposits distributed throughout the Hudson Valley consist of almost all of the types of
glacial deposits that are associated with continental glaciation. The ice deposited a thick sequence of till over
much of the area in the form of ground moraines (lodgment till), drumlins, and later, ablation till. The Hudson-
Mohawk Lowlands experienced all of this glaciation. This physiographic province then became the host area
for a large glacial lake, Lake Albany, which expanded as the ice receded and eventually covered the land north
to the Lake George/Lake Champlain area and west up the Mohawk Valley to the vicinity of Rotterdam. Tens
of feet of silt and clay were deposited in the lakebed, which, at its maximum size, reached an approximate
elevation of 350 to 360 feet above mean sea level in the Albany area. Various beach deposits associated with
Lake Albany can be found throughout its former extent, particularly in the Albany area. The elevation of these
beach deposits varies in a north-south direction (Spectra 2004: Appendix C).
Extensive sand plains occur from Niskayuna to southern Saratoga County and to Albany, and form the area
known locally as the "Pine Bush." This plain represents the surface of the sand deposits that were carried into
Lake Albany during its later stages and new surfaces and features (such as sand dunes) that have been created
in large part by the wind re-depositing the sand(Spectra 2004: Appendix C).
Drainage
A small stream is shown on the existing conditions map crossing the Project APE, flowing from east to west,
towards Putnam Brook and subsequently the Hudson River. At the time of the Project Site walkover this area
was fairly dry, with no standing or flowing water present. Further investigations demonstrate that there is no
culvert under the West Avenue, but instead the wetland flows off Project to the east towards Outlook Avenue,
where it discharges into the City of Saratoga Springs roadside stormwater system. The Project APE is located
approximately six miles north of Saratoga Lake.
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C: Recorded Archaeological Sites and Surveys
In order to gather information on the history and prehistory of the Project APE and the surrounding region,
HVCRC consulted historical documents and maps at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC, and the New
York Public Library, New York City. HVCRC reviewed the combined site files of the New York State Office
of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the New York State Museum (NYSM) for
information regarding previously recorded archeological sites within one mile (1.6 km) of Project APE. HVCRC
also consulted OPRHP and regional precontact sources (e.g. Beauchamp 1900; Parker 1920; Ritchie 1980;
Ritchie and Funk 1973) for descriptions of regional archeological sites. In addition, HVCRC consulted the files
at the OPRHP for information regarding cultural resources listed on the State and/or National Register of
Historic Places (S/NRHP) within one mile of the Project APE.
Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites
Table 2: Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within a one-mile Radius
Site
Number Site Name Distance from
Project APE
Time
Period Site Type Materials
Recovered
09140.001473 Site 9 Tait Road
Site 2308’ / 703.6 m 19th century Domestic
Ceramics,
hardware, faunal
material, glass
09140.001493 Warring Farm
Historic Site
4875’/ 1486.2
m
early-mid
20th century
Commercial
(Poultry
Operation)
Faunal, Ceramics,
Architectural
materials
09140.001492 Hearthstone
Precontact Site 5280’ / 1600m Precontact Material in
plow zone
Medial fragment of
projectile point,
pitted stone
09140.000338
Congress Spring
Bottling Plant
Historic
Complex
5280’ / 1600m 19th century Commercial
(bottling site)
Ceramics, glass,
bone shell
01908.000114 Site 8 (Williams
Site) 5500’/1676m 19th century Domestic
Ceramics,
hardware, faunal
material, glass
NYSM 6907 ACP SARA 3B 4285’ / 1306 m Precontact Camp along
escarpment
Reported by A.C.
Parker.
No previously identified precontact sites were identified within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Project
APE. In contrast to numerous archeological sites located in the general vicinity of the Project APE, relatively
few precontact archeological sites have been identified on the northwestern side of the City of Saratoga Springs.
Most of the recorded precontact archeological sites in the county are located southeast of the City of Saratoga
Springs near Saratoga Lake and along the banks of the Hudson River. Precontact sites have been identified to
the north of the Project APE, along the banks of the Mohawk River. Smaller specific resource procurement
sites would be expected along some of the tributaries to these major drainages, such as Putnam Brook.
Based on the environmental model employed by the New York Archaeological Council (NYAC) and the
OPRHP, those portions of the Project APE that have well drained soils and slopes that are not in excess of
12% are considered to have a high potential to contain precontact sites.
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Previously Completed Archaeological Surveys
As part of the site research, professional surveys completed for properties in the general area were consulted,
identifying a total of six surveys completed within a one-mile radius of the Project APE.
Table 3: Previously Completed Archaeological Surveys within a one-mile Radius
Project Name Survey Findings Reference
Phase 1B Archaeological Survey,
Proposed New Commissary, Naval
Support Unit, Saratoga Springs
New York
Phase 1B investigated 10.2 acres (4.13 hectares), with
the excavation of 153 shovel tests. No significant
cultural material was identified. No further work was
recommended.
Berger 2006
Phase 1B Archaeological Survey,
Gideon Putnam Cemetery Fence
Restoration South Franklin and
Oak Streets, Saratoga Springs New
York
Phase 1B investigated 164 linear feet (50 m), for the
proposed Gideon Putnam Cemetery Fence Restoration.
No significant cultural material identified. No
additional work was recommended.
HAA, 2005
Phase 1A Literature Search/
Sensitivity Assessment and Phase
1B Archaeological Survey Proposed
Skidmore College Campus Housing
City of Saratoga Springs, New York
Phase 1B investigated 13.8 acres (5.57 hectares), with
the excavation of 44 shovel tests. No significant
cultural material was identified. No further work was
recommended
Curtin, 2010
Phase 1A/1B Cultural Resources
Survey, Ballestero Subdivision
Project, NYS Route 7 & Buff Road,
City of Saratoga Springs, New York
Phase 1B investigated 17.0 acres (6.9 hectares) with the
excavation of 240 shovel tests. Two historic sites, The
Ballestero House Historic Site and the Warring Dump
Site were identified. Avoidance was recommended for
the Warring Dump site.
Birchwood,
2010
Phase 1A Archaeological Survey
Proposed Tai Lane Project City of
Saratoga Springs, New York
Phase 1B investigated 13.8 acres (5.58 hectares), with
the excavation of 204 shovel tests. No significant
cultural material was identified. No further work
recommended
Curtin, 2014
Phase 1A/1B Cultural Resources
Survey, Hearthstone Residential
Subdivision Project, City of
Saratoga Springs, New York
Phase 1B investigation identified two historic sites, the
Hearthstone Precontact Site and the Warring Farm
Historic Site.
Birchwood,
2007
None of the sites identified within by these surveys have been recommended for additional work, or are
considered to be eligible for listing on the National/State Register of Historic Places.
D: Historic Context
The following discussion of the historic context and the results of the cartographic research provides
information concerning the possibility of encountering Map Documented Structures (MDS) and other intact
historic cultural resources within the boundaries of the Project APE.
The village of Saratoga Springs is located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, inland from the Hudson
and Mohawk Rivers. The landscape was populated and heavily utilized by the Iroquois, who call the area Sarach-
togue which translates to “hillside of a great river” and “place of swift water.” European Settlers did not arrive
in Saratoga until 1767, and the County of Saratoga was not defined until 1791 (Sylvester 1897). The Hudson
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and Mohawk rivers also made Saratoga County a strategic location during the French and Indian War and the
American Revolution.
In 1771, the Kayaderosseras patent, where High Rock Spring (Saratoga Springs) is located, was issued to Rip
Van Dam. The patent was later inherited by Rip Van Dam’s heirs, who then sold the patent to Isaac Low, Jacob
Walton and Anthony Van Dam. In 1772 the area that was to become Saratoga County was divided into two
districts, Saratoga and Half Moon. By 1788, sixteen land patents had been granted in Saratoga County (Sylvester
1897).
Settlement in the Saratoga area is documented as early as the late 18th century. Sir William Johnson wrote about
visiting the springs in his letters dated 1767. Johnson had established a successful fur trade with the local
Indians and visited the springs to treat old wounds he incurred during the Battle of Lake George. In the 1770’s,
several pioneers attempted settlement in the High Rock Area, including Dirck Schouten, John Arnold, Samuel
Norton, a son of Samuel Norton, and Gilbert Morgan, although Alexander Bryan is considered to be the first
permanent resident at the springs in 1787. Bryan built a blacksmith shop and an additional log building where
he opened a tavern. The area around High Rock continued to develop as the Blakesly’s, Risley’s and Taylor’s
settled and started businesses in what would become known as the Upper Village.
About a mile south from High Rock Spring, in the area of present day Congress Spring and Congress Park, the
Lower Village was being carved out of the forest. Gideon and Doanda Putnam had arrived in 1789 and settled
on a plot of land on Prospect Hill, near where Saratoga Hospital is today. The Putnam’s acquired capital by
making staves and shingles and transporting them to the Hudson River (Saratogasprings.org).
By 1792, the Congress Spring had been discovered and was attracting ever-increasing numbers of visitors.
Gideon Putnam had the vision to see the possibilities for the springs at Saratoga, and in 1802, he piped the
spring water to his Tavern and Boarding House. He also constructed Broad Street, today's Broadway,
measuring a significant 100 feet wide. Putnam expanded his boarding house which became The Union Hotel.
Later, in the 1800's, it would become The Grand Union. Putnam also built the Congress Hall. It was while
building the Congress Hall that he fell from scaffolding in 1811 and died a year later as a result of injuries
sustained in the fall. The land along Broad Street continued to be developed, merging the upper and lower
village (Saratogasprings.org).
The growing reputation of Saratoga’s healing springs contributed to the rapid growth of the town in the period
following the Revolutionary War. Real estate was a booming market as the area expanded, becoming a well-
known resort town. Hotels, spas, race tracks and other recreational sites sprang up to accommodate the range
of tourists who visited the healing waters. Summer houses were constructed in increasing numbers.
The City of Saratoga Springs was set apart from the City of Saratoga Springs in 1819. In 1826 it was incorporated
as a village. In 1915 the Village and City of Saratoga Springs were incorporated to form the City of Saratoga
Springs.
By the 19th century Saratoga County had become a destination for tourists seeking refreshment from the healing
waters, both in Saratoga Springs and nearby Ballston Spa. Along with the influx of the social elite and their
abundant wealth, came horse racing, which flourishes in Saratoga to this day. As with many resort areas across
the country, the racing and tourist industries experienced a slight decline during the prohibition years and during
World War II. In modern times, Saratoga Springs hosts a variety of prospering industries, including arts
education and tourism.
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Cartographic Research
HVCRC examined historical maps of Saratoga County to identify possible structures, previous road alignments,
and other landscape features or alterations that could affect the likelihood that archeological and/or historic
resources are located within the Project APE. The maps reviewed for the Project are included in this report.
The approximate location of the Project APE is overlain on the copies of these maps included in this report.
Nineteenth century maps inherently lack the accuracy of location and scale of modern surveys. The
superimposed locations of the Project APE relative to the historic roads, structures, and other features should
therefore be regarded as approximations.
Figure 3: David Burr 1829 Map of the County of Saratoga (Source: David Rumsey Map Collection) Not to
Scale.
Historic maps depict the sequence of road construction and settlement/development in the vicinity of the
Project APE. The David H. Burr Map of the County of Saratoga, dated 1829 identifies Saratoga Springs as a village
but shows no development in the area surrounding the village center. (Figure 3) There are numerous roadways
that are unnamed on this map. The map also shows a small waterway that connects the springs to Owl Pond
and subsequently, to Saratoga Lake.
Approximate
location of
Project APE
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Figure 4: John Bevan 1850 Map of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Ct., New York (Source: Library of Congress) Scale:
1”=362.”
In 1850 John Bevan published a Map of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County New York that identifies the boundaries
of the incorporated City of Saratoga Springs. (Figure 4) This map shows the Project APE as open land owned
by “Waterbury.” Nathanial B Waterbury was born in Saratoga Springs in 1796. His father William was from
Stamford CT, and had moved to Saratoga in 1787. In 1794 he purchased, with his brother Samuel, 100 acres
of land south of Congress Street. A large portion of this land was later divided into village lots. In 1805 he
purchased the Denel place, a tract through which Van Dam Street was later laid. Much of the land around
Saratoga Springs was swampland, and Mr. Waterbury’s cattle are reported to have frequently gotten stuck in
the bog. Samuel Waterbury had six children, none of whom settled in Saratoga Springs. William, Samuel’s
brother, had ten children. Three died in childhood, and another died in 1807 as a soldier in the war in Florida.
Only two children, Philo, who married Mehitable Bullard, and Nathaniel settled in Saratoga Springs. William
Waterbury died in 1843 (Sylvester 1897).
Approximate
Location of
Project APE
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Figure 5: Samuel Geil 1856 Map of Saratoga County: from Actual Surveys (Source: Library of Congress) Scale:
1”=1500’.
In 1856, on the Samuel Geil Map of Saratoga County, the land in the vicinity of the Project APE is owned either
by R. Putnam to the south or L. Putnam to the north. (Figure 5) This map, as with the 1850 map, shows that
the village streets have not extended past the City boundary. As with the previous maps, the landscape is shown
as farmland. No structures are located within the Project APE.
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Figure 6: S.N. & B.G. Beer’s 1866 New Topographical Atlas of Saratoga Co. New York. (Source: David Rumsey
Map Collection) Scale: 1”=1500’.
There is little change in the City of Saratoga Springs during the next ten years as evidenced by the S.N. Beers
& B.G. Beers published the New Topographical Atlas of Saratoga Co. New York. (Figure 6) The land to the north is
still owned by L. Putnam, whose dwelling is shown at the end of a farm lane to the south of the Project APE,
the land formerly owned by R. Putnam is now owned by W. Bennett.. he landscape is considered open farm
land or woodlot.
| 18
Figure 7: Cramer, L. H. Mott, J. W. 1879 Map of the City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Co., N.Y. (Source: Library
of Congress) Scale: 1”=1000’.
By 1879, when L. Cramer and J. Mott published their Map of the City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County,
NY, the land within the town and city has undergone significant changes. Within the boundaries of the Project
APE, the land is owned by E.T. Noble (6.0 acres), whose house is located outside the southeastern corner of
the Project APE. The central portion of the Project APE is owned by A.B. Wells and the northern portion is
owned by F.W. Wells, each owning 14 acres. There are no structures depicted on either of the Wells properties
within the boundaries of the Project APE. To the east of the Project APE W. Howe owns a 4 acre lot with a
dwelling and outbuilding. To the west of the Project APE, G.W. Ainsworth owns 38 acres of land, with a
dwelling and outbuilding fronting along West Avenue.
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Figure 8: 1902 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga Quadrangle. 15 Minute Series. (Source: USGS.gov)
Scale: 1”=1760’..
In addition to the current topographical map (Figure 1), the quadrangle maps from 1902 and 1967 were
consulted. The earliest of these maps, published in 1902, was surveyed in 1899 and reprinted in 1925. There
are significantly fewer dwellings along Washington Avenue in 1902 than in 1879 (Figure 9). This may be the
result of the effect prohibition had on the economic development of Saratoga Springs. The 1902 topographical
map indicates that the landscape in the vicinity of the Project APE is still open farmland with the Noble dwelling
located adjacent to the southeastern corner of the Project APE.
| 20
Figure 9: 1967 USGS Topographical Map. Saratoga Springs Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute Series. (Source:
USGS.gov) Scale: 1”=1055’.
By 1967, the topographical quadrangle shows several structures located along Washington Avenue, and a
structure in the southwestern corner of the Project APE. (Figure 9). The location of this structure is the same
as the current gas station, which is located within the southwestern portion of the Project APE. On this
topographical map, a stream is shown crossing the Project APE. On this map, the Noble house is no longer
shown adjacent to the southeastern corner of the Project APE.
| 21
E: National Register Eligible/Listed Sites
The National Register Database and OPRHP files were reviewed to identify structures on or in the vicinity of
the Project APE that have been listed on the National Register or identified as National Register Eligible.
To the southeast of the Project APE is the Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, listed on the register as a rare and
substantially intact representation of a burying ground associated with the early settlement of Saratoga Springs .
In the heart of Saratoga Springs is the Todd (Hiram Charles) House, a representation of early Greek Revival
Architecture and a representation of the social structure and wealth of the 19th century settlement of Saratoga
Springs. Neither of these listed properties will be impacted by the proposed project.
To the east of the Project APE is the West Side Historic District, whose western most boundary is the
intersection of Washington Street and Birch Street. The district is listed as a representation of historic
community planning, social organization and architectural representation of a residential community in the 19th
century. This district will not be impacted by the proposed project.
F: Assessment of Sensitivity for Cultural Resources
An assessment of whether significant cultural resources are likely to be present within the Project APE must
consider what is known of the prehistory of the area, including likely locations of archaeological sites and
proximity to known sites. In addition, the history of the immediate area, including whether any historic
structures or features are known to exist within the Project APE boundaries, must be considered. Disturbance
to the landscape and the soils on the property are also considered in this assessment.
Precontact Sensitivity
Saratoga County has been documented to have been populated by precontact peoples for thousands of years,
therefore the region is generally sensitive for precontact cultural remains. In addition, the Project APE lies
south of the Mohawk River and west of the Hudson River, two significant waterways extensively utilized by
precontact peoples. Two precontact sites are located within a mile of the Project APE boundaries. The
landscape in the central and northern portions of the Project APE conforms to an environmental model
identifying these locations as highly sensitive for precontact cultural deposits. The southern portion of the
Project APE, in the location of the buildings and fill piles is not considered to have precontact potential.
Historic Sensitivity
Four historic sites have been identified within one mile of the Project APE. There is a Map Documented
Structures (MDS) located adjacent to the southeastern portion of the Project APE on the 1879 map. This MDS
is located adjacent to the Mohr gas station complex, which significantly reduces the potential for historic
deposits to be present on the Project APE. The review of the historic maps indicates that the balance of the
property did not contain any structures nor were any structures, other than the MDS discussed above, located
adjacent to the Project APE. Therefore the historic potential for the Project APE is considered to be low.
G: Summary and Recommendations
Based on the information identified in this report the Mohr Service Center property has experienced significant
disturbance in the southern portion of the site. The central and northern portions of the site, however, have
the potential to yield cultural deposits. It is therefore recommended that a Phase 1B Archaeological Field
Reconnaissance Survey be undertaken on those undisturbed areas within the Mohr Service Center Property
with the potential to yield precontact and/or historic cultural resources.
| 22
II: Phase 1B Archaeological Field Reconnaissance Survey
H: Archaeological Survey Methodology
In June 2015 HVCRC conducted an initial walkover of the Mohr Service Center Project APE in order to assess
the existing conditions of the Project APE. Areas selected for subsurface testing were identified, areas of
disturbance, and slope and wetland areas were eliminated from testing. As stated there are existing structures
associated with the gas station, car wash and service center in the southern portion of the Project APE.
Archaeological fieldwork was supervised by Beth Selig, M.A., R.P.A. Field technicians included Franco Zani Jr.
and Frank Spada. The final report was completed by Beth Selig M.A., R.P.A. Site photography, shovel test
records and the field reconnaissance map were completed by Beth Selig.
Areas selected for subsurface testing were identified during an intensive walkover inspection which evaluated
the landscape to determine areas of prior disturbance, slopes in excess of 12% grade, saturated or wet soils
and document evidence of former land usage. Shovel tests were excavated at intervals of 50’ (15m) along
transects conforming to the land surface and the boundaries of the Project APE. The locations of the tests
and disturbed areas were recorded on a scaled map that shows surveyed borders and has the locations of the
various structures or features identified (Field Reconnaissance Map).
Shovel tests (STs) were spaced 50 feet apart, approximately 40 cm in diameter, and generally excavated at least
10 cm into sterile subsoil, unless impeded by rocks or other obstructions. This subsurface testing strategy was
utilized in areas that appeared to be characterized by relatively intact soils (i.e. no obvious evidence of significant
soil disturbance). All excavated soils were passed through a one-quarter-inch hardware cloth to insure uniform
recovery of artifacts. Shovel test profiles were recorded on standard field forms and included information
pertaining to stratigraphic depths, Munsell soil color, texture and inclusions, disturbances, and artifacts. The
locations of all STPs were plotted on a base map of the Projects. The excavations and existing conditions across
the Project APE were photo-documented. Items recovered from the screens were assigned to the stratum from
which they were obtained. (See Appendix B) Had cultural materials been recovered, they would have been
bagged, labeled, and returned to the laboratory for processing.
I: Archaeological Survey Results
The project sponsor informed, HVCRC that there was no designated APE for the Project APE, therefore the
entirety of the 8.3 acre Project APE was considered for the purpose of Phase 1B subsurface testing. The
locations within the Project APE that have been disturbed by the construction and operation of the Mohr
Service Center and the areas that are covered by asphalt, exhibit significant soil disturbance and were eliminated
from testing. The delineated wetlands in the Project APE were also eliminated from testing. The areas selected
for shovel testing represent the flat and well drained areas within the central and northern portions of the
Project APE.
| 23
Field investigations began with an initial walkover of the property from south to north. From the Service Center
complex and moving north the crew noted substantial piles of bulldozed soils that were brought in from other
locations (Personal Communication, Eric Mohr 6-22-15). Although the field crew identified historic cultural
material, including cobalt and olive bottle glass, brick, Chinese export porcelain, whiteware and creamware and
building materials dating to the late 19th century in these soils, Eric Mohr confirmed that the materials were in
a disturbed soil matrix trucked in to the site from an unknown location, and therefore unrelated to the Mohr
Project APE. Moving north from this locus, the crew visually inspected and tested the remaining portions of
the APE.
Transect 1 was placed on a level terrace between a small wetland and an area of disturbance associated with the
structures located on the eastern side of West Avenue. Transect 1 contained two shovel tests. The soils in this
area consisted of a very dark grayish brown fine sandy loam over a dark brown fine sandy loam.
Testing then moved to the central portion of the Project APE to a flat, well drained land surface rising between
two large wetlands. Transects 2 through 5, containing a total of 19 shovel tests, comprehensively tested this
locus. These four transects terminated at the western property boundary adjacent to the commercial properties
fronting along West Avenue. The landscape along this boundary consisted of debris piles as well as soil piles
associated with the construction of the adjacent parking areas. (Photo 4) The soils encountered consisted of
dark brown fine sand overlying dark yellowish brown fine sand.
The final area tested is located in the northern portion of the Project APE. This area is a level knoll bounded
to the north and west by wetland areas. To the north, there is a small seasonal stream that drains into the large
wetland to the south. Two transects oriented east to west, containing a total of 8 shovel tests, comprehensively
tested this area.
No cultural material of any kind was recovered from any of the shovel tests on the Mohr Service Center
property.
J: Conclusions and Recommendations
In June of 2015, HVCRC completed a Phase 1A Literature Review & Sensitivity Analysis and a Phase 1B Field
Reconnaissance survey of the Mohr Service Center property in the City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County,
New York. Based on the information identified in the Phase 1A report, it was determined that the central and
northern portions of the Project APE had the potential to yield cultural deposits. It was therefore recommended
that a Phase 1B Archaeological Field Reconnaissance Survey be undertaken on those undisturbed areas within
the Mohr Service Center Property.
A total of twenty-nine (29) shovel tests were excavated on the Mohr Service Center Project in areas considered
to have the potential to yield precontact or historic cultural material. No historic or precontact cultural resources
of any kind were identified. Based on these findings, no further archaeological work is recommended for the
Mohr Service center property.
| 24
Photo 11: The Mohr Service Center property is covered in recent forest growth and disturbed areas that are
overgrown with weeds. View to the northwest from service center parking lot.
Photo 12: The western boundary of the property is defined by soil and debris push piles associated with the
adjacent business and parking areas. View to the north.
| 25
Photo 13: The small waterway shown on the USGS topographical map is currently dry with no standing or
moving water present. View to the northwest.
Photo 14: The northwestern boundary of the property contains a steep berm of debris and disturbed soils.
View to the west.
| 27
K: Bibliography
Beauchamps, William M.
1900 Aboriginal Occupation of New York. New York State Museum. Bulletin Number 32. Volume 7. The
University of the State of New York: Albany, NY.
Beers, S. N. & D. G..
1866 Map of Saratoga County, New York. Stone & Stewart: Philadelphia, PA.
Berger Group, The Louis
2006 Phase 1B Archaeological Survey, Proposed New Commissary, Naval Support Unit, Saratoga Springs
New York
Bevan, John
1850 Map of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Ct., New York. John Bevan, New York.
Birchwood Archaeological Consultants Inc.
2010 Phase 1A/1B Cultural Resources Survey, Ballestero Subdivision Project, NYS Route 7 & Buff Road, City of
Saratoga Springs, New York
2007 Phase 1A/1B Cultural Resources Survey, Hearthstone Residential Subdivision Project, City of Saratoga Springs,
New York
Burr, David
1839 Map of the County of Saratoga in An Atlas of the State of New York. Stone & Stewart: Ithaca, NY.
Cramer: L. H. Mott, J. W.
1879 Map of the City of Saratoga Springs , Saratoga Co., N.Y. (Source: Library of Congress)
Colles, Christopher
1789 A Survey of the Roads of the United States of America. Christopher Colles, New York.
Croswell, E.
1838 Laws of the State of New York. Passed at the Sixty-First Session of the Legislature. Wm.A. Gould & Co.
Albany.
Curtin, Ed.
2010 Phase 1A Literature Search/ Sensitivity Assessment and Phase 1B Archaeological Survey Proposed Skidmore
College Campus Housing City of Saratoga Springs, New York
2014 Phase 1A Archaeological Survey Proposed Tai Lane Project City of Saratoga Springs, New York
de Laubenfels, D.C.
1975 Mapping the World's Vegetation: Regionalization of Formations and Flora. Syracuse University Press.
Fisher, Donald W., Yngvar W. Isachsen, Lawrence V. Rickard
1970 Geologic Map of New York, Lower Hudson Sheet. New York State Museum and Science Service Map and
Chart Series No. 15. New York State Museum, Albany, New York.
Funk, Robert E.
1976 Recent Contributions to Hudson Valley Prehistory. New York State Museum Memoir 22. Albany, NY.
Geil, Samuel
1856 Map of Saratoga County, New York. E. A. Balch: Philadelphia, PA.
HAA (Hartgen Archaeological Associates)
| 28
2005 Phase 1B Archaeological Survey, Gideon Putnam Cemetery Fence Restoration South Franklin and Oak Streets,
Saratoga Springs New York
Küchler, August W.
1964 Potential Natural Vegetation of the Conterminous United States. American Geographical Society, New York.
National Register Nomination Form
2003 Gideon Putnam Burying Ground City of Saratoga Springs, New York
1993 Westside Historic District, City of Saratoga Springs, New York
1990 Todd (Hiram Charles) House, City of Saratoga Springs, New York
National Resources Conservation Service
www.websoilsurvey. Accessed June 24th 2012
New York State Archaeological Council (NYAC)
1994 Standards for Cultural Resource Investigations and the Curation of Archaeological Collections in New York State.
New York Archaeological Council.
Parker, Arthur
1920 Archaeological History of New York. New York State Museum Bulletin. No. 237 and 238. The
University of the State of New York: Albany, NY.
Ritchie, William A.
1973 Aboriginal Settlement Patterns in the Northeast. Memoir 20. New York State Museum and Science
Service. Albany, NY.
1969 The Archaeology of New York State. Natural History Press: Garden City, NY.
Saratogasprings.org
www.saratogasprings.org. Accessed June 15th 2015.
Shaver, Peter (compiler)
1992 The National Register of Historic Places in New York State. Preservation League of New York State:
Albany, NY.
Snow, Dean R.
1980 The Archaeology of New England. Academic Press: New York, NY.
Spectra Inc.
2004 Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (Dgeis) New York State Statewide Wireless Network (Swn)
Geologic Resources Appendix C: Geologic, Structural and Topographic Features of Physiographic
Provinces.
Stilgoe, John R.
1982 Common Landscape of America, 1580-1845. Yale University Press: New Haven, CT.
Sylvester, Nathaniel B.
1878 History of Saratoga County, New York. Everts & Ensign, Philadelphia PA.
United States Department of Agriculture
1994 Soil Survey of Putnam and Westchester Counties, New York. In cooperation with Cornell
University Agricultural Experimentation Station. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington
D.C.
United States Department of the Interior.
2000 National Register Bulletin. Guidelines for Evaluating and Registering Archeological Properties.
National Park Service. Washington, D. C.
| 29
1985 National Register Bulletin # 24: Technical Information on Comprehensive Planning, Survey of
Cultural Resources, and Registration in the National Register of Historic Places. Reprint. National
Park Service, Interagency Resources Division. Washington, D.C.
United States Geological Survey
2013 United State Geological Survey Topographical Map. Saratoga Springs Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute Series.
1947 United States Geological Survey Topographical Map. Saratoga Springs Quadrangle. 7.5 Minute
Series.
1902 United States Geological Survey Topographical Map. Saratoga Quadrangle. 15 Minute Series.
| 1
Appendix A: Shovel Test Records
Transect STP Level
Depth
(in)
Depth
(cm)Munsell Soil Description Cultural Material
TR 1 1 1 0-8 0-25 10YR3/2 very dark grayish brown fine sandy loam bottle glass, discarded
2 8-20 25-49 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sandy loam NCM
2 1 0-8 0-21 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-14 20-36 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 2 3 1 0-9 0-23 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 9-14 23-36 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
4 1 0-8 0-20 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-15 21-37 10YR5/6 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
5 1 0-8 0-20 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-15 20-37 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
6 1 0-8 0-20 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-14 20-34 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
7 1 0-6.5 0-16 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 6.5-14.5 16-37 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 3 8 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-20 30-50 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
9 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-21 30-53 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
10 1 0-8 0-20 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-16 20-40 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
11 1 0-10 0-25 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand plastic, discarded
2 10-20 25-50 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
12 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-19 30-48 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 4 13 1 0-10 0-25 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 10-16 25-40 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
14 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-21 30-53 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
15 1 0-13 0-33 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 13-22 33-55 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
16 1 0-8 0-20 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 8-12 20-30 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
Appendix B |1
Transect STP Level
Depth
(in)
Depth
(cm)Munsell Soil Description Cultural Material
17 1 0-11 0-28 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 11-23 28-58 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 5 18 1 0-12.5 0-32 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12.5-18 32-45 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
19 1 0-6.5 0-17 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 6.5-14.5 17-36 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
20 1 0-6 0-15 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 6-12 15-32 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
21 1 0-7.5 0-19 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 7.5-14 19-34 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 6 22 1 0-10 0-26 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 10-16 26-40 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
23 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-15 30-38 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
24 1 0-7.5 0-19 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 7.5-15.5 19-39 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
25 1 0-20 0-50 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 20-21 50-53 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
26 1 0-12 0-31 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-19 31-47 10YR3/6 dark yellowish brown fine sand NCM
TR 7 27 1 0-14 0-35 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 14-21 35-53 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
28 1 0-5 0-13 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 5-20 13-50 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
29 1 0-12 0-30 10YR3/4 dark brown fine sand NCM
2 12-20 30-50 10YR5/8 yellowish brown fine sand NCM
Appendix B|2