Archaeological Examination of Electromagnetic Features

In this study the combined data from a geophysical survey, surface collection, and subsurface testing of the French Dwelling Site (22AD557) was presented to describe the archaeologically tested structural features at the site. The site is located in Natchez, Mississippi and contains evidence for both a prehistoric and early French Colonial component, but is dominated by a late eighteenth through early nineteenth century British/American homesite. Testing at the site was conducted in 2001 and included a geophysical survey using a gradiometer and conductivity meter; followed by surface collection and limited excavation of features. Only the largest five of over 50 geophysical anomalies were tested by way of exploratory excavation. Three of the five tested anomalies were identified as significant site features, all of which were associated with the eighteenth through nineteenth century occupation. An attempt was made to produce a model for untested geophysical anomalies based upon surface collected artifacts, but the homogeneity of the collection at the surface of the site precluded this. Instead, statistical analysis of the archaeologically tested features was undertaken in an attempt to determine age, function, and relationship of these features to one another at the site. This project represents the most in-depth study of the French Dwelling Site to date. All previous examinations of the site have focused on the possibility of an early French occupation, but this study incorporated all of the historic material from the site in order to fairly document both the limited evidence for French Colonial use of the site and the overwhelming evidence of the later British/American homesite. The results of the geophysical survey were used in conjunction with the artifact collection to illuminate the fact that no known features have been found at the French Dwelling Site that actually date to the French occupation of Natchez.