Archaeological investigations in the Elm Creek Watershed, Runnels County, Texas: sites 41RN61, 41RN64, 41RN65, 41RN72, 41RN74, 41RN76

Abstract

This thesis describes results of archaeological investigations and material analysis associated with six prehistoric sites in Runnels County, Texas that lie within a proposed Soil Conservation Service floodwater retarding structure and reservoir. Data recovery, based on geomorphic investigations to resolve potential for subsurface cultural deposits, resulted in retrieval of representative samples of lithic assemblages from four sites (41RN61, 41RN64, 41RN65, 41RN74). These lithic assemblages, along with lithic collections from previous testing by SMU within the project area (41RN72, 41RN76), were analyzed with an emphasis on the diversity in assemblage characteristics from quarry or primary lithic procurement sites as contrasted with sites in which further lithic reduction and utilization related to subsistence prevails, such as habitation sites. Inferences with regard to site activity and function are made based on results of lithic analysis and trends revealed in the data.