A Cultural Resources Survey of the City of Brenham Wastewater Expansion Project in Central Washington County, Texas

Abstract

A Phase I cultural resources survey for a proposed wastewater treatment plant expansion project (8.5 acres) in the corporate limits of Brenham, Texas was performed by Brazos Valley Research Associates in August 2002. The presence of one abandoned house, three vacant house sites, and ten mobile homes, and various storage sheds, cattle pens, and barns have contributed to the overall disturbance of the project area. The frame house was moved to its current site from its original location approximately 20 years ago. It is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or for listing as a State Archeological Landmark.

The area was investigated with a backhoe, and no significant archaeological sites were found. Other than recent historic trash on the surface, the only cultural materials observed were two 20th century medicine bottle fragments that probably washed down the creek from an existing landfill located upstream. All backhoe trenches were dug to clay. It is recommended that construction be allowed to proceed as planned. Copies of the report are on file at the Texas Historical Commission (THC), Archeological Division; the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) on the University of Texas campus; Brazos Valley Research Associates (BVRA) ; and the City of Brenham.