Dietrich, Patricia (Texas A&M University), and John A. Gifford (RSMAS,
University of Miami). RESULTS OF RECENT UNDERWATER EXCAVATIONS AT LITTLE
SALT SPRING (8SO18) FLORIDA
 
   Little Salt Spring is a karst solution feature located in the Florida
Platform, about 14 km from the Gulf of Mexico. This cover-collapse sinkhole
is approximately 76 meters in diameter at the surface and in profile has an
hourglass shape. The upper spring basin has been the site of underwater
excavations during the spring semesters of 1992, 1994, 1995, and 1996. Based
on findings up to the 1996 field season, Dietrich and Gifford hypothesized
that human utilization of the spring was more or less continuous from prior
to 12,000 years before present (ybp) through approximately 5800 ybp, with a
possible hiatus between 8500 and 7500 ybp, and that this utilization was a
function of water quality as well as water levels.
   A number of important results were obtained during this season's
underwater excavations. These included the recovery of two bone tools
manufactured from long limb bones of Oedocoileus virginianus; the left
portion of a five-point antler, of which tines 2 and 3 had been
circumscribed and removed; and two bottle gourd fragments.
   These items were discovered in a stratum that had been assigned a
temporal range of 8750 to 8390 ybp, based on radiocarbon dating of
associated material. The discovery of these artifacts and the bottle gourd
fragments within this time fram support the authors' hypothesis,
particularly spring utilization by humans between approximately 9000 and
8500 ybp.
 
 Dorwin, John T. (Ball State University). THE GENEVA KATHLEEN: THE LIFE AND
DEATH OF A TEXAS LUMBER SCHOONER IN THE TWILIGHT OF SAIL
 
   The  GENEVA KATHLEEN was built in Beaumont, Texas, in 1918 specifically
for the lumber trade of the East and Gulf Coast United States and the
Caribbean. The vessel was of wood with three masts and schooner rigged.
After a twelve year career and three different owners, she was stranded in
1930 on a reef off the north shore of Grand Cayman Island. The Ball State
University Underwater Archaeology Field School has spent three seasons in
non-intrusive documentation of the wreck, now scattered across Little Bluff
Bay. Under the supervision of the writer and coordinated with the Cayman
Islands National Museum, surveying, identification of components, mapping,
photography and videography were accomplished. The ship's cargo of lumber
played a role in the development of the East End and North Side of Grand
Cayman. Extensive and detailed records of many of the voyages of the GENEVA
KATHLEEN have been located at Stephen F. Austin University. They include
information of payrolls, diet, repairs, expenses, and profit and loss
statements for each trip.
 
Forest, Glenn A. (East Carolina University). IS THE CHICOD CREEK VESSEL A
CONFEDERATE MACON-CLASS PORTER GUNBOAT?
 
   Located in a tributary of the Tar River in Pitt County, North Carolina,
the Chicod Creek Vessel has been under investigation since 1973. The
hypothesis has evolved that this vessel is a Confederate MACON-Class Porter
gunboat launched in March 1862, at Washington, North Carolina, in advance of
Federal forces and later burned by Confederates. If it is one of the
"Washington Gunboats" then it is the earliest remaining example of a
steam-powered twin-screw vessel. During the last two years, the Program in
Maritime Studies has completed excavation and mapping of the entire port
side of this vessel including the bow and stern. The paper for this
conference will examine the Chicod Creek Vessel in the context of both the
vessel's history and archaeology to demonstrate that it is one of the
earliest members of America's first class of twin screw warships - a Porter
gunboat.
 
Foster, John (California State Parks), and Charles Beeker (Indiana
University, Underwater Science and Educational Resources). THE CONQUEST OF A
SINKHOLE: INITIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AT EL MANANTIAL DE LA ALETA
 
   El Manantial de la Aleta is a large limestone sinkhole holding a deep
basin of crystal clear water within East National Park, Dominican Republic.
It has been a vital landscape feature for many centuries. This spring was
the apparent water source for the capital village of the Taino cacique
Cotubanama and was conquered by Juan de Esquivel in the bloody conquest of
Higuey in 1503.
   La Aleta has begun to yield numerous archaeological treasures from its
depths. Elaborate pottery vessels, stone hachas, wooden handles, and canoe
paddles have recently been recovered by native divers. Skeletal remains are
also reported from the submerged deposit at a depth of 120-240 feet.
   This paper reports the first archaeological penetration of La Aleta,
describes well-preserved artifacts from the sinkhole, and presents insights
into Taino life at the time of the Spanish conquest.
 
Anita Cohen-Williams
Listowner of HISTARCH, SUB-ARCH, and SPANBORD
Internet Consultant
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