Excavations revealed four major periods of prehistoric occupation
Site 36AL480 is a large, stratified site located on the right descending bank of the Ohio River about 15 miles to the west of Pittsburgh. The extensive archaeological investigations at the site were funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. The work was undertaken for the Braddock Dam offsite construction component of the Monongahela River Locks and Dams 2, 3 and 4, modernization project. Area 2 excavations covered an area of approximately 200 square meters and extended to a depth of over 5 meters. Excavation began in August 2002 and concluded in June 2003. Analysis and reporting will be completed in 2004. Over 280 cubic meters (3000 cubic feet) of soil was removed by hand and screened for artifacts. The work required over 18,000 person-hours of field time. Over 45,000 artifacts were recovered.
Through most its prehistoric occupation, Area 2 of the site was used as a camp for people who made their living by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plant foods. The Archaic Period occupations were of relatively short-term, perhaps a few days or weeks. During the Transitional Period roasting pits and refuse pits were used, suggesting longer occupations.
More Information
Phase III investigations in Area 2 of Site 36AL480 are being conducted by Greenehorne & O'Mara of Greenbelt, Maryland, and KCI Technologies of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
For information on this web site, contact Patricia Miller: pmiller@kci.com. Last updated October 24, 2003.