UAPB archeologists uncover glimpses of Pine Bluff’s early history
5/30/2014
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Archaeologists stationed at the University of
Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) are monitoring preliminary earthmoving in
conjunction with construction of a splash park at Lake Saracen Park in
downtown Pine Bluff. The location is on the bank of Lake Saracen which
occupies a former channel of the Arkansas River abandoned in 1908. This
is the earliest part of Pine Bluff, a few blocks from the Jefferson
County courthouse and not far from where Joseph Bonne, a fur trapper and
trader of French and Quapaw ancestry, settled in 1819.
Preliminary archaeological study of the site two years ago revealed
artifacts, including ceramic and glass fragments and hand-forged nails
dating from the pre-Civil War era. Artifacts representing the late 1800s
and the 1900s up to the creation of the city park in the 1970s were
also found.
The first day of earthmoving at the splash park site uncovered a line
of brick piers representing a structure, probably a residence, that
appears to have been demolished in the 1920s or 30s. Lime and sand
mortar between the bricks suggests that the structure had been built
before 1900.
The archaeologists have been watching for traces of a house indicated
in the immediate vicinity on an 1864 U.S. Army Engineers map of Pine
Bluff. Archaeological features expected at the location of an early to
mid-1800s urban residence might include foundations of the house and
outbuilding as well as remains of wells, cisterns, or privies. To date,
however, artifacts from that era have only been found scattered in
disturbed soil.
John H. House and Robert J. Scott of the Arkansas Archeological
Survey, a unit of the University of Arkansas System, are directing the
work. House directs the Arkansas Archeological Survey Research Station
at UAPB and also teaches in the Department of Social and Behavioral
Sciences. Scott has been Research Assistant at the station since
October. Hydco, Inc. of North Little Rock, General Contractor, is
constructing the splash park.
The Arkansas Archaeological Survey is carrying out the current work
at Lake Saracen Park to assist the City of Pine Bluff in complying with
federal laws pertaining to the conservation of cultural resources on
projects that receive federal funding.
For further information, contact the Arkansas Archaeological Survey, UAPB Station, 870-535-4509, email jhhouse@uark.edu.