This location contained a handful of ground rises and depressions, possibly indicating past burial activity and the settling of grave fill.
In 2017, archaeologists focused primarily on an area west of the 1983 memorial pathway and circle. Archaeologists have found that most of the burials identified are arranged in nine distinct rows that run north-south, conforming to the natural topography of the ridgeline. Six burials (9%) have not yet been sufficiently exposed in order to make a relative age determination. Based on the lengths and widths of each grave shaft, 24 (34%) appear to contain children or infants, while the remaining 40 (57%) are believed to contain adults. The resultant contrast between these two soil types made it possible for archaeologists to distinguish between grave shafts and the surrounding undisturbed areas.Īll interments exhibit an east-west orientation, or a close variation thereof. These grave shafts intrude a naturally formed, pale brown layer of earth that is relatively uniform across the site in both color and soil composition. Though each burial is unique, most are filled with mottled yellowish clay. Each burial was thoroughly documented at its highest possible elevation, and no human remains were encountered or disturbed.Īll grave shafts were identified by 3 characteristics: shape, soil composition, and orientation. When combined with the seven grave shafts found in the burial ground prior to 2014, a grand total of 70 graves have been located.
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