SYSTEMWIDE ARCHEOLOGY INVENTORY PROGRAM

Under a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Anthropology, New York University, a literature review of all existing historic documentation was completed in anticipation of a four (4) year archeological investigation to evaluate five (5) French and Indian War Period Sites for National Historic Landmark District nomination. Other sites, both Euro-American and Native American Indian, which can be identified as to be associated with this period will also be assessed for their inclusion into a landmark nomination. Testing is to begin in fiscal year 1998 at two of the previously identified French and Indian War Period blockhouses. An anticipated result from this study will be the construction of an Historic Trail, utilizing a portion of the "Military Road" from the Walpack Fort over Kittatinny Mountian to Fort Johns, the headquarters fort for the New Jersey Colonial Defense System. Interpretive wayside exhibits as well as archeological exhibits along the proposed trail and at the historic Van Campen Inn and Walpack Church will be the product of this five-year investigation.

The Spindle House was destroyed during the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864. Representing a middle class slave-holding farm of the region, its archeological significance is enhanced by the detailed historical records including a probate inventory from the prior year. A remote sensing survey conducted under contract by KCI Technologies of Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania including magnetometry and soil resistivity, identified an likely location. Preliminary testing identified a period occupation and additional testing awaits funding.