Phase I Archaeological Survey Battle of Puncheon Park

This proposal has been prepared in response to a request by Ms. Regina C. Hall McClure of Big Sandy Area Development District (BSADD) to conduct a Phase I archaeological survey for the proposed Battle of Puncheon Cultural and Heritage Park. The proposed park is located about 7 miles southeast of Salyersville, in Magoffin County, Kentucky. The interpretive and educational park will tell the story of the Battle of Puncheon that took place near this location during the American Civil War. The proposed modifications to the landscape include creation of a walking trail and associated driveway and parking lot; installation of interpretive kiosks, a bathroom facility and classroom/shelter; and preparation of a campground, all within a tract that measures about 7.1 acres in total extent. The archaeological investigation is intended to provide information concerning the character and distribution of any cultural resources within the project area, with particular emphasis on those that might be related to the Battle of Puncheon. The work that is proposed will include a review of the existing archaeological sites and an evaluation of the extant documentary and cartographic sources pertaining to the project area and its vicinity. This information will serve as the basis for the design and completion of a Phase I archaeological survey that employs traditional systematic shovel testing as well as metal detector survey to identify possible locations of Civil War-related artifacts, plus ground-truth investigation to verify the presence of metal artifacts. These investigation techniques should identify potentially significant prehistoric and historic sites within the proposed park area.