ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT 10-CN-6, MIDDLE SNAKE RIVER, IDAHO

by Mark G. Plew

During the summers of 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, test excavations were conducted at site 10-CN-6 located on the Snake River approximately 5 miles south of Melba, Idaho. The excavations were conducted by Boise State University as part of its Archaeological Field School in cooperation with Celebration Park Interpretive Center and Canyon County Parks, Recreation, and Waterways. Site 10-CN-6 is located within Celebration Park about halfway between the Interpretive Center and the historic Guffey Railroad Bridge. the site is situated on a steppe terrace which extends approximately 100 m north of the Snake River within a desert-riverine setting consisting of short grasses, small to medium sagebrush, and greasewood. A distinct geomorphic feature of basalt boulders deposited by the Bonneville Flood borders the terrace along the western and northern ridges. Site 10-CN-6 was originally recorded and surveyed by Tuohy (1958), later by Keeler and Koko (1971) and more recently by Murphey (1977). Tuohy described the site as a "campsite," noting mussel shell and lithic debris. He suggested that the site might be an extension of 10-CN-5 which was recorded to the east.

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006