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NYSAA Bulletin No. 107 — Dogan Point Archaeological Site — Passage 28 (part 2)

Herbert C. Kraft et al. (1994) 234 words View original →

[Herbert C. Kraft et al. (1994)] The earlier work proceeded with 5-ft squares and half-inch mesh screens. The more recent work used 24 columns. 35 cm square, and 28 units from 1 to 4 sq m in size (Figure 1). The 2 12 column levels were water-screened through stacked 1/2-in, 1/4-in and 1/ 16-in mesh screens. There are at least four components and possibly five at the site. The oldest component, probably pre-shell, is indicated by Middle Archaic projectile points such as Neville. The main shell period, dated by 15 radiocarbon dates as 6000 to 4400 years old, is Late Archaic in age, Corroborated by numerous projectile points. The bulk of the finds probably derive from this occupation. The purpose of the shell accumulation is unknown and unassumed. A Transitional Archaic Period is evident. Eleven Levanna points indicate a later shell component as do all the charcoal radiocarbon dates unassociated with pottery. Finally, there are historic artifacts over the thinner shell deposits. This paper will summarize the presumed Middle and Late Archaic geomorphology; lithology; bone and shell tools; invertebrates; vertebrates; wood charcoal; and radiocarbon dates for the site. The archaeological site known as Dogan Point is situated in Westchester County's George's Island Park, near the town of Montrose, upon the east bank of the Hudson River and approximately 48 km (30 mi) north of Manhattan. At this point in the river can be found marine resources and daily tidal variation.