A Phase I Archaeological Survey of Quietdale Estate, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama (original) (raw)

2022, A Phase I Archaeological Survey of Quietdale Estate, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama

In June and July of 2022, Ben Hoksbergen conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of 9.21 acres at 401 Quietdale Drive Northeast in Huntsville, Alabama at the request of Ross Hickey and John Francis, co-owners of Quietdale Estate, a historic house and proposed event venue. The survey was requested by the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) following review of proposed grounds improvements on the property. The historic 1854 Caroline P. Robinson House on the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Remains of six other structures were documented as a result of the survey. These include a brick cellar for the recently-demolished servants’ quarters, a recently-demolished ca. 1930s barn, a recently-demolished utility shed, well pumps and concrete slab for the well house, a 1938 concrete hot house or cold frame, and a concrete slab for an early to mid-20th century chicken house or garden shed. In addition, five above-ground historic features were documented including a concrete garden fount, a concrete livestock water trough, a barbeque grill, a clothesline, and a large pile of hand-struck bricks. At least three other features including two historic water-line utility trenches and a possible pit were identified through shovel testing. Shovel testing of the entire property on a 30 m grid documented a moderate to high density of artifacts across the eastern two parcels comprising the house and grounds. Two components were documented including a light-density pre-contact lithic scatter and a mid-19th through mid-20th century historic component associated with the house. The archaeological manifestation of the property was recorded as site 1Ma2004. Based on the results of the survey, the archaeological deposits are potentially significant and contribute to the overall NRHP eligibility of the property. The highest density of artifacts and features is located northeast of the house. It is recommended that above-ground historic features be retained to the extent possible and incorporated into plans for landscaping improvements. Ground disturbance in this area should be minimized to avoid disturbance of significant below-ground archaeological features including potential 19th century refuse pits and structural features. If extensive ground disturbance below 15 cm becomes necessary, additional archaeological investigation is recommended.