• Summary
• Project Description and Location
• Environmental Setting
• Geomorphologic Context
• Vegetation
• Prehistoric and Ethnohistoric Context
• Previous Archaeological Investigations
• Archaeological Expectations
• Field Methodology
• Results
• Conclusions and Recommendations
• Works Cited
• Cultural Resources Survey Cover Sheet (DAHP)
• Table of Figures

The background and history of the area was interesting, going into detail about its geological and vegetative history. Then cultural history was presented with an overview of the types and succession of known inhabitants to the island over the centuries. A prior archaeological site was previously found and recorded in 1953 on an adjacent waterfront parcel, and the adjacent Swinomish cemetery lot was investigated as well. A comprehensive, mapped out grid of test probe holes was overlaid across the entire property, and the field archaeologists dug test holes and sifted for any archaeological indicators at every test site. They also performed visual reconnaissance throughout the entire property to look for any potential indicators of burial mounds and other cultural artifacts.

Shovel test probe locations

Soil around archaeological shovel probe hole

Based on the background research, the site was considered to have moderate potential for discovering archaeological materials. The existence of the other site previously found to the northeast was the main reason for thinking it could have had the possibility of an archaeological site on it, plus there are some old growth trees on the property. However, there were a number of factors which counter-balanced that to indicate there would be no need for concern about archaeological remains on the site: no natural above-ground freshwater source on site, steeper slope for the area closest to Penn Cove, northern orientation of the slope, flat area above and farther away from Penn Cove, and logging in the distant past (which would have likely disturbed any archaeological remains already). The adjoining Swinomish cemetery may not even have any human remains in it, since it’s history and contents have not actually been confirmed. An 1858 General Land Office map of the area did not identify any habitation features there.

1858 USGS General Land Office plat map

The result was that no cultural resources were identified on the property, which is very good for everyone who might have an interest (ourselves, the Swinomish, and the county). No shell midden, lithic, bone, or wood artifacts were found, as well as no fire modified rock features indicative of hearth pits or other pit features, and no larger features.

Fortunately, our goals and methods are intended to be light touch anyhow.  But, these results help provide more flexibility and confidence in our siting and building plans on the property.