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, 2200.7 R434s No. 38 c.3 A CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF PROMONTORIES IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA August, 1993 By Robert B. Bartlett Leland C. Bement Robert L. Brooks The University of Oklahoma Oklahoma Archeological Survey Archeological Resource Survey Report No. 38 This publication, printed by the Oklahoma Geological Survey, is issued by The University of Oklahoma and authorized by the Director of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey. This publication is funded by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Oklahoma Historical Society and the National Park Service. A CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT OF PROMONTORIES IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA By Robert B. Bartlett Leland C. Bement Robert L. Brooks Project #40-92-70137.002 The University of Oklahoma Oklahoma Archeological Survey Archeological Resource Survey Report No. 38 August, 1993 -ii- Publisher's address: Oklahoma Archeological Survey 111 E. Chesapeake Norman, OK 73019-0575 ISBN: 1-881346-30-7 ©1993 by Oklahoma Archeological Survey Norman, Oklahoma 73019 Printed in the United States of America ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was made possible through a grant from the Oklahoma Office of Historic Prserva-tion. We are indebted to the landowners in the project area for their cooperation and support concerning the goals of this project. In par-ticular we thank Wes Walker, Simpson Walker Jr., Charles Edwards, Wes Matteson, Vera Eversole, Harold Penner, Ed Penner, Jerry Nicholson, Jerry Noble and Marvin Heufield. Don Wyckoff provided comments on the draft, Julieta Rachel prepared the illustrations, and Martha Lopez assembled the final report. -iii- eligibility. Site 34MJ30 is a rock cairn which may be actively used by members of the Cheyenne Nation and should therefore be protected. The artifact density present on the surface of 34WD88 indicates this site may be the result of intensive Late Prehistoric occupa-tions. Systematic testing of this site to deter-mine National Register status would be recommended prior to disturbance by any ac-tivities falling under Section 106. Though the majority of the sites lack integrity, the survey results indicate that potential National Register sites do occur on promontories. ABSTRACT An intensive pedestrian survey of 1,975 acres of promontory landforms in Major and Wood-ward counties of northwestern Oklahoma resulted in the location of 10 sites and 20 isolated find localities. The sites tend to be located on promontories overlooking stream valleys while the isolated finds tend to occur on promontories affording a view of wide floodplains along river valleys. Of the 10 sites located by the survey, two are rock cairns and eight are identified by lithic scatters. Two of the ten sites, 34MJ30 and 34WD88, may war-rant consideration for National Register iv Table of Contents INTRODUCTION 1 ENVIRONMENT • Physiography Geology Soils Climate Vegetation CULTURAL BACKGROUND • Prehistoric Chronology for the Southern Plains Previous Archeological Work Relating to Project Area RESEARCH DESIGN Project Area Current Research on Promontories Research Questions METHODS AND FIELD TECHNIQUES • PROMONlORY SURVEY RESULTS Promontory Vistas Types SITE DESCRIPTIONS 34MJ28. 34MJ29. 34MJ30. 34MJ31. 34WD88 34WD89 34WD90 34WD91 34WD92 34WD93 ISOLATED FIND DESCRIPTIONS ARTIFACT DESCRIPTIONS ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS Research Question 1 • Research Question 2 • Research Question 3 . Research Question 4 • SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES CITED 1 1 4 78 8 8 8 .12 .13 .13 .13 • 14 .15 • 17 .17 .22 .22 .23 .23 .25 .25 .27 .27 .28 .28 .29 .31 .31 34 .34 .36 .36 .36 .37 .39 -v- INTRODUCTION This survey was conducted to better under-stand the use of promontories by prehistoric peoples in western Oklahoma and provide a base-line study of the cultural significance of this special feature of the landscape. Promontories include such landforms as high terraces along deeply incised river valleys, knolls on upland ridge lines between drainage basins, and buttes or erosional remnants of surfaces associated with older landscapes. Archaeological investigations have yielded considerable information on prehistoric occupa-tions in central and eastern Oklahoma. Inves-tigations conducted in conjunction with large reservoir construction projects have yielded the bulk of our knowledge concerning these oc-cupations. Very few projects of this large scale have taken place in western Oklahoma, making this region the part of the state least known archaeologically (Wyckoff and Brooks 1983). However, where systematic surveys have been conducted in western Oklahoma, such as the Wolf Creek and Quartermaster Creek drainages, numerous sites are reported (Baugh et al. 1984; Drass and Turner 1989). Promontory landforms are a prevalent feature in many areas of western Oklahoma, and very little is currently known concerning the use of these potential landmarks by prehistoric and historic aboriginal peoples. Studies in other areas have noted the prehistoric and historic use of promontories for such purposes as hunt-ing overlooks (Hughes 1991; Hofman and In-gbar 1988), signal posts (Turpin 1984, 1985), and for ceremonial uses such as vision quests (Graham and Graham 1986; Chartkoff 1983; Conner 1982; Wedel 1961). The use of promontory type land forms can be considered in investigations of regional settlement patterns (Judge 1973). While not presenting a com-prehensive overview, these studies reveal the significance of these landforms as a cultural resource. Today, promontory land forms are often selected as sites for the construction of telecom-munication and radar devices. Other uses in-clude oil wells along with associated pipelines and access roads. Large scale cultural resource management projects do not typically involve investigation of promontory landforms and have resulted in a gap in our knowledge of the cultural significance of promontories in Ok-lahoma. This gap has hampered the treatment of this resource in the Section 106 consultation process. The results of this project have sup-plied information regarding the prehistoric use of this specialized setting that can aid in making management decisions for those parts of the state where such landforms occur. An intensive pedestrian survey was conducted of 1,975 acres of promontory land forms along the Cimarron River in Major and Woodward counties (Figure 1). The survey resulted in the identification of 10 sites and 20 isolated finds. ENVIRONMENT Physiography The survey area (Figure 2) is located in the Cimarron Gypsum Hills region of Major and Woodward counties in northwest Oklahoma (Curtis andHam 1972:3). The area is charac-terized by broken hills, buttes, and mesas capped with thick layers of gypsum and dolomite. This area lies along the eastern edge of the transition zone between the tall and mixed grass prairie of the Red Bed Plains to the east and the short grass High Plains to the west. The survey focused along a steep escarpment marking the boundary between the Gypsum Hills and the Red Bed Plains to the east (Morris et al. 1976:3). This southeasterly trending es-carpment features highly eroded buttes, mesas, and bluffs rising some 87 meters above the flood -1- Nt .. r-,. {,..\. Blaine Formation Escarpment '--' '....' . •-. 1! II\\:\\:\\\\\\\\\\\\:\\\\\I Project Area Woodward o 5 10 mil•• I!!!!I!!!!~-!!!FI •~••• ii~;;;.,ij:f' o 5 10 15 kil0m0_ Major Figure 1. Project area along the Cimarron River in northwestern Oklahoma. Cultural Resource Assessment o[ Promontories D Figure 2. Western Sand Dune Belts High Plains Central Redbed Plains • Western Redbed Plains ~ Cimarron Gypsum Hills Western Sandstone Hills ~~ Weatherford Gypsum Hills o 10 20 30 miles l•• r'~Iiiiiiiiiiiit!!~II!!!!I' o 20 30 kilomet81S Ni -3- Physiographic provinces of Northwest Oklahoma (adapted from Curtis and Ham 1972). Bartlett, Bement and Brooks Numerous Quaternary age sand dunes averag-ing 2.5 to 4.5 meters high and occasionally attaining heights of 12 meters occur along the north terrace of the Cimarron River (Allgood 1968:36). These dunes and hummocks form a strip approximately 1.5 to 3.2 kilometers wide running parallel to the river. Some of these dunes, such as those at Little Sahara State Park, are active. Salt flats consisting of a hard, thick crust deposited by salt springs along the Cimar-ron River are found to the west of the project area. plain. The Cimarron River follows southeasterly along the escarpment. The river flows to within 400 to 1600 meters of the escarpment in the western part of the survey area, and from 1.6 to 4 kilometers of the escarpment in the eastern part of the survey area. From the eastern edge of the area sur-veyed, the Cimarron River trends more to the east and the escarpment trends to the south through Blaine County. The escarpment also marks the northern edge of a divide between the Cimarron and North Canadian rivers. The North Canadian River is approximately 32 kilometers to the south. Several small tributary streams of the Cimarron River make up the major drainages of the divide. Major streams located in the survey area include Cheyenne, Barney, Griever, and Main Creeks in Major County, and Sand, Chimney, and Doe Creeks in Woodward Coun-ty (Figure 3). The highest elevations on the divide are along the southern edge close to the North Canadian River. From this point the streams flow north-easterly toward the Cimarron. The stream val-leys open onto wide floodplains bounded by highly eroded bluffs that form the escarpment. This is a function of the geology of the region with the softer formations of the EI Reno group being more erodible then the predominate Rush Springs and Marlow sandstones through which the North Canadian River flows. The dif-ference in elevation between the Cimarron River and the higher North Canadian River in the counties of the survey is as much as 153 meters. Elevations along the Cimarron River in the survey area range from 457 meters amsl in the western area to 384 meters amsl (above mean sea level) in the eastern end. Elevations range from 472 to 518 meters amsl on the ridge and mesa tops. The rise in elevation is acute as the escarpment rises abruptly from the floodplain. Higher elevations of slightly more than 549 meters amsl occur along the divide between the Cimarron and North Canadian rivers. Geology The regional geology of the survey area is dominated by massive Upper Permian forma-tions of the Guadalupean Series (Fay 1964). These formations dip to the southwest and be-came overlaid by Tertiary and Pleistocene deposits. The formations are characterized by interbedded sandstones, shales, and evaporites formed by the repeated evaporation of an inland sea (Johnson 1972). The subsequent erosion of these formations has resulted in a landscape characterized by steep buttes, ridgelines, and projections. These land forms, combined with prevailing mineralogy, have resulted in such place names as the Glass Mountains and Oklahoma's Painted Desert. The formations exposed in the survey area (Figure 4) are known as the El Reno Group consisting of the Flower Pot Shale, Blaine For-mation, and Dog Creek Shale (Fay 1964). The EI Reno Group is overlaid by the Whitehorse Group consisting of the Marlow Formation and the Rush Springs Sandstone which are visible in the uplands just south of the survey area. The Flower Pot Shale Formation is the lowest member of the group and is made up of reddish shales with interbedded siltstones, dolomites and sandstones (Fay 1964: 10). This formation is highly visible along the edge of the escarp-ment where up to 76 meters of the formation is exposed and forms the base of the buttes and mesas. III -. _ 1 J o 5 I- -I wi ,. o 5 10 1I0 mileo '115 kilolJl<t.crl Woodward N t Major Figure 3. Drainages within the project area. Bartlett, Bement and Brooks 5 I I 1000 ft. amal a I miles Figure 4. Geologic formations in the survey area (adapted from Johnson, 19721. The Flower Pot Shale is overlaid by the Blaine Formation consisting of thick layers of gypsum with interbedded shales and dolomites (Fay 1964:28). The thick beds of gypsum and dolomites of this formation form the caprock of the flat-topped buttes, mesas, and ridges in the area. Much of the gypsum is water soluble, resulting in the numerous sinkholes and caves in the area. The lowest solution member of the Blaine Formation is the Medicine Lodge Creek Gypsum member which varies from 3.5 to 5 meters in thickness in the survey area (Fay 1964:153,163). This gypsum layer forms the caprock along the northernmost edge of the escarpment. Once this cap rock is dissolved, the underlying Flower Pot Shale is easily eroded, resulting in the steep walled formations making up the escarpment. The Medicine Lodge Creek member is overlaid by layers of shales, the remnants of which are visible on the higher knolls atop the ridges. The uppermost EI Reno Group formation is the Dog Creek Shale (Fay 1964:53). This formation consists of reddish to bluish shales, with thin beds of dolomites, sandstones, and siltstones. This formation is visible in the upper canyons and upland knolls in the survey area. The base of the Marlow Formation becomes visible in the upper reaches of the tributary canyons. The sandstones and dolomites of this formation create capped buttes visible south-west of the survey area (Johnson 1972:21-22). Lithic Sources. One of the more prevalent artifacts present on most archeological sites are lithics such as chipped stone tools and flake debris. Many sites are documented on the presence of lithic debitage resulting from the production and maintenance of stone tools. For this reason a brief discussion of the closest raw material sources for northwestern Ok-lahoma, knappable stone, is presented. All the information in this section unless otherwise referenced is derived from Banks's (1990:88- 101) study of Southern Plains lithic sources. The closest source of knappable stone to the project area is the Ogallala formation located just west of the survey area. This formation is composed of Tertiary outwash from the Rocky Mountains. Gravels present in this formation -6- Cultural Resource Assessment of Promontories contain knappable quartzite with lesser amounts of chert and petrified wood. The Alibates Formation near Amarillo, Texas, with its well known agatized dolomite member was extensively used by prehistoric people as a raw material for stone tools. The source of this material lies along the Canadian River in the Texas Panhandle about 250 kilometers to the west. Knappable cobbles of Alibates also occur in gravel deposits along the Canadian River (Wyckoff 1993). Though more geographically widespread, the Tecovas Formation occurs in the same general area as the Alibates Formation. Tecovas con-tains jasper and quartzite. The jasper occurs in smaller sizes than the quartzite, and items manufactured with this material are rarely larger than eight centimeters. To the north and west, and closer to the project area, the geological lateral equivalent to the Alibates Formation known as the Day Creek Formation occurs. This formation contains a dolomite member known as Day Creek chert (Banks 1989:92). Much of this material is knap-pable and outcrops, sometimes occurring as caprock are known in Harper, Woodward, and Woods counties. The Dakota and Tesequite quartzite occur in the Black Mesa region of the Oklahoma Pan-handle about 350 kilometers from the project area. These materials vary in knappability with some outcrops producing more desirable material than others (Saunders 1978:87). Also occurring in this area are minor amounts of basalt and a highly knappable opalite material. They can occur locally as clasts in Cimarron River gravel. About 225 kilometers east of the project area are the Flint Hills with numerous sources of Florence and Wreford cherts (Banks 1989:96- 101). This area is well known for its abundance of high quality stone and its numerous prehis-toric quarry pits. In addition to these sources, the gravels of the Cimarron River produce minor amounts of knappable cherts and quartzite (Saunders 1978:88). These gravels are a likely source of many of the unidentified cherts and quartzites present on sites in the project area. Soils The soils on the surveyed ridges and buttes are part of the Vernon series (Allgood 1968; Nance et al. 1960). These soils are shallow Aridisols containing a high percentage of parent material derived from the Permian shales and clays (Allgood 1968:42). The soils on many of the surveyed buttes and mesas are thin and heavily mixed with the gypsum caprock. These soils are referred to as the Vernon-Gypsum outcrop complex (Allgood 1968:43). The upland ridges and knolls have a thicker soil (up to 61 cen-timeters) profile which includes a weakly developed B horizon (Allgood 1968:42). The Vernon series is the only soil type occurring on the promontories within the project area. Other soils in the area include the Weymouth soil series which consists of Inceptisols as-sociated with the Vernon series. The Weymouth soils are moderately deep and made up of colluvium from the ridges and buttes. These soils are visible on the slopes and extend from the ridge tops to the floodplain. The more stable slopes are thought to be at least 10,000 years old (Nuze et al. 1987: 11). Deep, well developed Alfisols of the Nobscot- Pratt complex occur in the less dissected uplands south and west of the project area. These soils support a typical mixed-grass prairie vegetation and scattered stands of black-jack oak. Entisols of the Lincoln and Tivoli series form on sand dunes along the Cimarron River. These soils support grassy vegetation but are highly susceptible to drought and wind erosion. Various Inceptisols and Mollisols associated with alluvium deposits occur along the Cimarron River and its tributaries. These soils support a variety of grasses and stands of cottonwood and willow. Some thin, clayey Aridisols are found on the wide fans and floodplains on the tributary streams. These are poor soils that support only sparse vegetation. -7- Bartlett, Bement and Brooks short and tall grasses. The tall grasses tend to grow in bunches with the short grass species forming a sod in between the bunches. Climate The general climate of the survey area is a continental semi-arid regime affected by fluc-tuations between periods of drought and periods of rainfall. The annual average precipitation recorded ffrom 1932 to 1962 is 71 centimeters (Allgood et. al 1968:81). This precipitation falls as both rain and snow. The majority falls as rain between April and September. The rain pattern is highly irregular and often torrential in nature. Strong spring storms can develop rapidly and result in localized heavy rains, strong winds, and often in tornados. Strong winds accompanied by high summer tempera-tures are responsible for high evaporation rates that leave soils arid and calcareous (Allgood 1968:78). The temperature is variable and subject to quick changes, particularly in winter when cold air from the north can quickly blow into th~ area. The average temperatures range from 34 F. in January to 80 F. in July (Morris et al. 1976:7). Temperature extremes of -150 F. in winter and to 105 F. in summer attest to the wide temperature fluctuation in the area (Nance et al. 1963: 1). Vegetation The escarpment of the Gypsum Hills marks the eastern boundary of a mixed prairie ecotone situated between the true tall-grass prairie of the Red Bed Plains to the east and the short-grass plains of the High Plains region to the west (Bruner 1931: 175-180). This mixed prairie association is largely a result of a change in soils and fluctuating climate extremes. The nature of the vegetation is a shared dominance of both Bruner (1931: 177) lists the most important dominants in this area of the mixed-prairie as blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and little blues-tern (Andropogan scoparius). Other grasses common to this area of mixed prairie are wheatgrass (Agropyron), junegrass (Keoleria cristata), buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), and hairy grama (Bouteloua hirsuta). The introduction of cattle in the late nineteenth century along with recent agricul-tural practices have undoubtably altered the original vegetation pattern. For example, ex-tensive stands of mesquite now grow along terraces bordering the Cimarron River. How-ever, due to their lack of accessibility, some of the more isolated buttes retain stands of rela-tively undisturbed natural vegetation. Tree growth in the area is for the most part restricted to stream courses. Here, willows (Salix nigra) and western cottonwood (Populus deltiodes) are common. Other species occur-ring less frequently include white elm (Ulmus americana), box elder (Acer negundo), hack-berry (Celtis reticula), and western black wal-nut (Juglans rupestris). Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianai grow on the slopes of the ridges and buttes. The local vegetation existing on the top of the promontories surveyed consists of mixed gras-ses (Andropogan and Bouteloua), yucca (Yucca glauca), mesquite (Prosopis julijlora), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginianay, stunted hack-berry (Celtis reticula), sumac (Rhus sp.), and prickl ypear cactus (Opuntia humifusa). CULTURAL BACKGROUND The following section presents a regional prehistoric chronology for the Southern Plains and subsequent discussion of prehistoric oc-cupations in or near the project area. Prehistoric Chronology for the Southern Plains The prehistoric cultural periods discussed here is based on generally accepted cultural manifes-tations presented in various overviews of -8- Cultural Resource Assessment o[ Promontories Southern Plains prehistory (Bell 1984: Hofman et al. 1989). Paleoindian (12,000-8000 B.P.). The Paleoindian stage contains the earliest known human occupation in the southern Plains region. These groups were hunter-gatherers whose mobility patterns are thought to have covered great distances. During this time the Southern Plains witnessed a general warming and drying trend as part of the climatic changes associated the Late Wisconsin glacial period. Earliest components are recognized by dis-tinctive fluted bifaces referred to as Clovis and Folsom. Clovis points are the earlier of the two dating from 11,500 B.P. to 11,000 B.P. and have been found in association with extinct fauna such as mammoth and large bison. The Domebo site in Caddo County, Oklahoma, is a mammoth kill site with associated Clovis points dating to around 11,220 B.P.(Leonhardy 1966a). Blackwater Draw in eastern New Mexico also contains Clovis points in associa-tion with mammoth (Hester et al. 1972). Sites such as these and numerous surface finds of Clovis points attest to the presence of people on the Southern Plains since the late Pleistocene- Early Holocene transition. Folsom occupations occur on the Southern Plains from 10,900 to 10,200 B.P. Acontinua-tion of the hunting of large fauna is evidenced during Folsom times by sites such as Libscomb and Blackwater Draw (Hofman et al. 1991; Hester et al. 1972). Point distributions and evidence from Folsom campsites indicate a mobil life style continuing to predominate during this time on the southern Plains. By late Paleoindian times more diversity in point styles develops. The major cultural manifestation on the Southern Plains during this time is associated with Plainview points. These people also hunted bison as evidenced by kill sites at the Plainview site (Sellards and Evans 1945)and Lubbock Lake (Johnson and Holliday 1980). The latest Paleoindian stage is represented by various cultural manifestations associated with several lanceolate point styles. These point styles associated with this stage include Scot-tsbluff, Firstview, Agate Basin, and Hell Gap (Frison 1991). Archaic (7500-2000 B.P.). The Archaic period on the Southern Plains entails a large expanse of time from about 7500 B.P. to 2000 B.P. This period is commonly subdivided into early, middle, and late Archaic. The environ-ment experienced a continued drying trend cul-minating with the Altithermal during the middle Archaic period 5000 to 6,000 years ago. This period of time represents the most arid condi-tions since the onset of the Holocene period and resulted in wide spread erosion. In spite of the large time frame, the plains Archaic period is little understood on the Plains. Numerous Archaic sites are documented on the Southern Plains, but little detailed information is discernible. To date, the evidence indicates that hunter-gatherer lifestyles predominated. During the Archaic period, the archeological evidence indicates an increasing reliance on local plant and animal resources coupled with mobility patterns keyed to seasonal fluctuations (Hofman 1989:45-46). An increased use of local resources is evident in lithic assemblages which are made of locally available cherts and quartzites. Tools associated with plant process-ing increase and the majority of dart points are stemmedor notched for hafting. The hinderance to a more detailed study of the Archaic period is the lack of stratified sites offering datable contexts. The Gore Pit site in southwestern Oklahoma is the one of the few Archaic sites on the Southern Plains to yield good contexts with dates. The site contained a burial dated around 7100 B.P. as well as producing burned rock features and Archaic tool assemblages consist-ing of dart points, gouges, granding stones and scrapers (Hammatt 1976). Investigations at the Summers site (34GTI2) have produced an as-semblage of corner-notched points, gravers, scrapers, and scraper-planes dating to 2,770 + 150B.P. (Leonhardy 1966b). Features present on the site include a roasting pit with associated bison bone, a hearth and possible storage pit (Leonhardy 1966b:20). The features and ar- -9- Banlett, Bement and Brooks Woodland occupations in western Oklahoma are also noted in areas where intensive survey has been conducted (Ferring et al. 1976; Saunders 1976:80-81; Baugh et al. 1984:175- 182). Thurmond (1990b) has recorded 41 late Archaic/Early Woodland sites along the Dempsey divide. These sites tend to be located along tributary streams to the Washita River and produce surface finds of comer-notched dart points, arrow points and ceramic sherds (Thur-mond 1990b:141-149). The Swift Horse site (34RM50 1) located in the Black Kettle National Grasslands is one location that has provided a wealth of information on the Woodland occupa-tion in western Oklahoma (Briscoe 1987). This site contains ceramics, arrow and dart points, end scrapers , manos, and grinding basins. No evidence of horticulture was recovered from this site and it is thought to represent a foraging subsistence based on local resources (Brisco 1987:83-84). tifacts recovered from these sites attest to the greater diversification in subsistence. The Calf Creek complex is becoming a widely recognized middle Archaic occupation on the southern Plains. A date of 5730 + 160 B.P. has been obtained for this complex (Wyckoff and Woodward 1988). This complex is iden-tified by well made, large, basally-notched bifaces. Though the majority of the sites are identified by surface finds, their distribution attests to occupations from central Texas through western, central, and eastern Ok-lahoma. A late Archaic bison kill site dating to 1400- 1500 B.P. with corner-notched points is reported from west central Oklahoma (Bement and Buehler 1992). Surveys conducted in western Oklahoma have noted Archaic sites and the presence of comer-notched dart point styles (Thurmond 1990b; Baugh et.al1984: 176-177). Surveys in Roger Mills and Beckham counties indicate an extensive use of this area in the late Archaic early Woodland periods (Thurmond 1990b; Baugh et al. 1984:176-177). Woodland (2000-1000 B.P.). Regionall y, this period witnessed the introduction of ceramics and the use of the bow and arrow. The ceramic shapes are typically globular to conical in shape and the ceramics are decorated by cordmarks. Hunting and gathering continues during this time, however evidence indicates that subsistence is supplemented by some hor-ticulture. The recovery of tools related to hor-ticulture indicates the adoption or development of horticulture during this time. The more intensive and best defined occupa-tions dating to this time occur in eastern and north-central Oklahoma (Vehik 1984). The Pruitt site in central Oklahoma contains Wood-land- related artifacts including cordmarked ceramics, comer-notched arrow points, drills, and endscrapers (Barr 1966:89-90). Many other sites with well documented Woodland occupations are located along the eastern mar-gin of the plains in the Cross Timbers region (Barr 1966; Drass 1979,1984; Neel 1984). Plains Village (A.D. 800-1500). The Plains Village tradition on the Southern Plains began by about 850 B.P. This period is represented by numerous sites over the Southern Plains and consequently is better studied than earlier time periods (Brooks 1989). Horticulture became an increasingly more important part of the subsis-tence base during this time accompanied by increasing sedentism. Archeological evidence indicates that small hamlets of square houses constructed of wattle and daub, and numerous storage pits were established along the major rivers during this time. The abundance of archeological remains at-tributed to the Southern Plains Village tradition has resulted in the naming of many phases, variants, and complexes (Brooks 1989:71). These groups include the Custer, Washita River, and Antelope Creek phases, as well as the Zimms, Henrietta, and Buried City complexes. The Custer Phase (A.D. 800 to A.D. 1100) represents the earliest of the Plains Village occupations in western Oklahoma (Hofman 1984). The core area of occupation is centered along the Washita River (Brooks 1989:72; Hof-man 1984:288). Sites are generally small ham-lets with square houses. Numerous storage pits are common and the material culture contains -10- Cultural Resource Assessment o[ Promontories arrow points, various scraper types, diamond-shaped alternately beveled knives, plain and cordmarked pottery, manos, grinding basins, celts and elbow pipes. Numerous bone tools manufactured from bison and deer bone are also present including bison scapula hoes, and bison tibia digging tip sticks. The Washita River Phase (A.D. 1000to A.D. 14(0) follows the Custer Phase and is also centered along the Washita River (Bell 1984:308). Over 200 sites have been recorded for this phase in southern and western Ok-lahoma (Brooks 1989:78). An increase in vil-lage size accompanied by intensified agriculture involving com is indicated by the archeological evidence. Hamlets range in size from 5 to 20 houses square to rectangular in shape. Middens present on these sites have provided an insight into the diet of the village occupants. Wild plant foods, bison, deer, birds, turtles and fish remains have been identified. To the west, and contemporaneous with the Washita River Phase, is the Antelope Creek Phase. This is centered in the northern Texas Panhandle and is represented by distinctive architecture consisting of houses with vertically placed stone slab foundations in single and contiguous units (Lintz 1984). Drass and Turner (1989:58-60) have documented numerous late prehistoric sites in the Wolf Creek drainage, all of which are attributed to Antelope Creek Phase occupations. The Zimms and Buried City complexes are also roughly contemporaneous with Antelope Creek and Washita River phases (Brooks 1989:83-85). The Buried City complex is lo-cated in the northern Texas Panhandle and may be a variant of the Antelope Creek phase (Brooks 1989:80). Architecture and stone tool assemblages are very similar to Antelope Creek, however the ceramics differ significant-ly. The Zimms Complex in western Oklahoma is identified by isolated house structures bearing a marked similarity to Antelope Creek architec-ture. The material culture however bears strong affiliations with the Washita River Phase. Protohistoric (A.D.1500 - A.D.1750). The Protohistoric period witnessed the initial con-tact of Southern Plains natives with Europeans. This contact had profound effects on the culture of people living on the plains. European dis-eases devastated the indigenous populations. Increasing trade is archeologically evidenced during this time involved European goods and bison products. Fortified villages are known, possibly relating to an increase in warfare and raiding. The introduction of the horse to the Plains during the latter part of this period al-lowed for greater mobility and no doubt played an important role in trade and warfare. Two complexes are identified in western Oklahoma for the protohistoric. These are the Edwards (1500-1650) and Wheeler (1650- 1725) complexes (Hofman 1984:347-362). The complexes are best known from sites south of the survey area in Beckham and Roger Mills counties. Both complexes depended heavily upon bison for subsistence and trade. An ap-parent decrease in horticulture is indicated by fewer recovered tools associated with horticul-ture. Fortified village sites appear during this time (Hofman 1984). The maindifference between the Edwards and Wheeler complexes is represented in lithic as-semblages. The Edwards site (34BK2) lithic materials are derived chiefly from sources to the west, whereas the lithic assemblages from the Wheeler phase sites are dominated by materials from Kay County in north-central Oklahoma (Hofman 1984:356). The Wheeler Phase sites also contain large distinctive endscrapers in-dicative of hide processing. An increase in European trade items is noted among Wheeler phase sites. The Edwards complex had ties to the south-west as evidenced by the presence of southwest pottery, and turquoise on Edwards complex sites. Trade of bison products for horticultural goods probably occurred through these con-tacts. Historic (A.D.1750 - A.D.1890). The his-toric period is characterized by an influx of European settlers into the area. Much of Ok-lahoma during this time was set aside for the -11- Bartlett, Bement and Brooks Wyckoff et al. 1990). This site may represent one of the earliest human occupations known for North America. relocation of Native Americans from other parts of the United States. During the early part of this period northwestern Oklahoma was oc-cupied by the Cheyenne and Comanche tribes. The Cheyenne tribe has been in western Ok-lahoma since the 1860s. Reservations were established in the area of Camp Supply and Fort Reno and from 1869 to 1876 most of the Cheyenne nation was restricted to these reser-vations. A tributary stream to the Cimarron River near the present day town of Freedom was a favored camping area during this time. In fact in 1873 the majority of the Cheyenne nation was camped at this location (Moore 1987: 199,240). Eventually many of the Cheyenne bands were settled through allotments along the North Canadian River near the present day towns of Watonga, Calumet, Seiling, Clinton, and El Reno. An area known as the Cherokee Outlet en-compassing much of northwestern Oklahoma was also established in the nineteenth century. The area was leased for cattle grazing in the later nineteenth century which eventually led to the establishment of large cattle ranches. The area was officially opened for settlement in 1893. Previous Archeological Work Relating to Project Area The following discussion relates to what is presently known about the prehistoric occupa-tions in or near the project area. At the initia-tion of the survey an examination of the site files of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey listed 28 sites in Major County, and 87 sites in Wood-ward County. One of the more intriguing sites near the project area is the Burnham site (34W073) in Woods County. An intensive, well-controlled investigation of this site has produced lithic artifacts in association with extinct big-homed bison and may possibly indicate a human presence in this area sometime between 26,800 and 11,500 years ago (Wyckoff et al. 1991; Evidence of Paleoindian presence near the project area is documented by Clovis point distributions in Oklahoma (Hofman and Wyck-off 1991). The distribution reveals a concentra-tion of points in the western part of the state (Hofman and Wyckoff 1991). The majority of documented Folsom points in Oklahoma likewise occur in the western part of the state, including isolated finds in Woods, Harper and Major counties, Oklahoma (Hofman 1992). The Waugh site (34HP45) containing the remains Bison antiquus and associated Folsom points is located in Harper County (Hofman et al. 1991). Several Plainview points from the Nall site in the Oklahoma Panhandle attest to later Paleoindian occupations near the survey area (Baker et al. 1957). Intensive surveys of the Washita River drainage in western Ok-lahoma have also produced evidence of late Paleoindian occupations (Thurmond 1990a). Few Archaic sites are known in the survey area. Archaic style points have been reported in association with lithic workshops near the survey area (Ferring et al. 1976:60; Lopez and Smith 1979:708,711). A few archaic occupa-tions are noted to the south in the Quartermaster Creek drainage (Baugh et al. 1984). Sites containing Woodland artifacts including cord marked pottery are reported near the sur-vey area (Ferring et al. 1976:78,81). The presence of possible Woodland village sites in the Quartermaster Creek drainage is noted (Baugh et al. 1984: 175-182) by the presence of cord marked pottery sherds, dart points and comer-notched arrow points. The Swift Horse site (34RM501) in the Black Kettle National Grasslands is an extensive Woodland site south of the survey area (Briscoe 1987). Woodland occupations to the west are known from the recovery of Woodland ceramics and dart points along terraces along Carrizo Creek in Cimarron County (Saunders 1976:80-81). The Plains Village period is better docu-mented in the survey area with sites documented in Woodward County. A house structure was -12- Cultural Resource Assessment of Promontories uncovered during excavations at the Hedding site (34WD2) (Shaeffer 1962:131-149.) Though the house structure is similar to those identified with the Zimms complex to the south, the assemblage of recovered artifacts indicate a close relation to the Antelope Creek phase to the west (Drass 1989:2-4). A multiple burial (34WDI2) containing at least 10 individuals is also reported near the survey area (Kay County Chapter 1963). Ar-tifacts associated with some of the burials in-clude Olivella shell beads, a turquoise pendant, microline pendant, a triangular Fresno type projectile point, and a bison tibia digging-stick tip. The artifacts recovered with these burials suggest they relate to Plains Village occupations to the west, with trade connections to the south-west, most probably Antelope Creek phase. The Fairview burial (34MJll), probably relating to the Protohistoric period was recovered very close to the survey area. As-sociations with the burial included olivella shell beads, a turquoise pendant, and 307 turquoise beads (Howard and Brown 1973:215). The Traders Creek site in Woodward County (34WD5) mayrepresent a Protohistoric occupa-tion near the survey area (Buehler 1991). The presence of the Fairview burial along with evidence of trade ties between the southwestand Protohistoric sites in Oklahoma would indicate a use of the area during this time possibly as a trade route. Historic sites known near the sur-vey area include dug outs and salt works (Fer-ring et al. 1976). RESEARCH DESIGN Project Area For the purpose of this project, that portion of western Oklahoma containing Harper, Woodward, Woods, Dewey, and Major coun-ties provided the initial pool of promontories for inspection. Of particular interest were the high bluff lines overlooking the Cimarron River in Major and Woodward counties. This region of the state was selected based on four criteria: 1) large number of promontories with views of a variety of landscapes (expan-ses of plains, river valleys and drain-ways); 2) likelihood of use by prehistoric in-habitants in the hunting of bison or other prairie animals; 3) proximity of these promontories to known cultural resources ranging in age from Paleoindian to historic times; and 4) nearness of additional promontories that might have been used in inter-promon-tory communication systems. Current Research on Promontories To aid in the recovery of pertinent and meaningful data related to prominent questions concerning the use of promontories, a literature search was conducted. The following categories of information were gathered. Promontories, vistas on the landscape, served as: • landmarks for travelers, • game or enemy lookouts for resident groups (Hughes 1991:21; Hofman and In-gbar 1988), • spiritual contacts for vision quests (Conner 1982, Graham and Graham 1986; Wedel 1961), • information stations in aboriginal com-munication systems (Turpin 1984, 1985), and • lithic procurement sites. Although wind-swept and deflated, these natural highs were probably unchanged throughout the late Pleistocene. -13- Bartlett, Bement and Brooks ritual, or warfare purposes). Through the repeated use of an area that cultural material accumulates to a level that is archeologically visible. Repeated use also indicates that the locality was successfully employed in the prehistoric system. Ephemeral uses including game lookouts, vision quests, and signal fires left little behind for archeologists to find (Bement 1987; Kehoe 1960; Turpin 1984), thus making promontory landforms difficult to identify and manage as a cultural resource. Yet such stations are impor-tant for understanding communication systems and hunting strategies of prehistoric groups. Promontories rarely are isolated on the landscape but rather as projections along ridges or bluffs. Panoramic views from such locations are the key variable for inclusion in this study. Other governing factors probably considered by prehistoric peoples include access to the promontory from the lower elevations, and ease with which information could be signalled from the lookout to the rest of the group. Such key variables were particularly important to hunting groups using elevated lookouts for spotting game and planning procurement strategies. A group on top of a high bluff line with no timely way down into the valley below where a herd of bison has been spotted stood little chance for procurement success. This be alleviated by a lone observer on the promontory signalling to the rest of the group stationed below or by use of a promontory with easy access to the lower elevations. Game trails often follow the rims of buttes and traverse saddles connecting two drainage systems. Monitoring and hunting game along these trails may also be an activity have been associated with the use of promontories. This type of activity may have been carried out in conjunction with hunting activities on the plain below, or specifically with upland hunting. When used in hunting strategies, the promon-tory is an integral part of a system. Once the targeted resource is identified, the procurement strategy is implemented. As indicated by cycli-cal use of kill strategies, certain promontories are likely to be used repeatedly. Such repeated and redundant behavior leads to the buildup of residue that can be identified by archeologists. One-time use of an area often leaves little that is archeologically detectable. However, it is the repetitiveness of such a system that is im-portant in this study (whether it be for hunting, Other uses of upland areas, often in associa-tion with promontories, included the procure-ment of plant resources for consumption and for use in fabricating tools and clothing. The upland setting often supports more xeric adapted species of plants and animals. Among the plants are cacti and yucca species that were of economic importance to prehistoric societies (Tainter 1979). Survey of upland areas in the Southern Plains has identified scattered remains attributed to plant collecting and hunting activities. Often these residues include isolated occurrences of unifaces, utilized flakes, bifaces, choppers and projectile points (Saunders 1992). Thus, cul-tural materials identified on promontories may be attributable to ancillary tasks conducted by persons utilizing the promontory, or may be the result of procurement targeting upland areas for special plant and animal resources. Distin-guishing between these various uses of promon-tory areas are difficult and must rely on the analysis of artifact classes recovered during the survey. The portion of a promontory used can vary according to the purpose. When employed as a lookout station, use is not necessarily restricted to the top. Often a protected locality just below the rim, such as a caprock overhang, was selected (Bement 1987). These positions offered protection from the elements as well as better cover to remain undetected from far-visioned animals such as antelope and deer. For other activities, such as vision quests and signal fires, the open exposure of the top is sought. For this reason, the proposed project allows for the survey of the promontory top as well as areas down slope from the rim. The survey will not however extend into the lower slopes or the valley floor. -14- Research Questions Cultural Resource Assessment of Promontories In order to address the prehistoric uses of the promontories surveyed for this project, the fol-lowing research questions are presented: 1. Are isolated peaks and buttes used dif-ferently than projections along a ridgeline? 2. Are short-distance vistas overlooking stream valleys used differently than long-dis-tance vistas in either major river valleys or on interfluves? 3. Do the uses of promontories change over time? (This question basically adds a diachronic aspect to the study and restates the previous two questions from a temporal perspective) . 4. What are the functional variations of promontory use? (This question can be applied to either diachronic or synchronic perspectives and will subsume the largest number of vari-ables gathered for the previous three ques-tions). The recovery of key artifacts and feature information having functional data sets is paramount for addressing this research topic. Other criteria pertinent to the research questions include promontory accessibility and views of-fered from the tops of promontories. In order to facilitate differentiating the views gained from promontories, five vista types are defined. All the promontories surveyed are subsumed under one or more of the vista types. These are discussed in detail in a following section. METHODS AND FIELD TECHNIQUES The project surveyed a minimum of three square miles (1975 acres) of uplands with promontories. The size of the study area in-sured that variability in content and context of promontory resources would be documented. The sample was not randomly generated but particularistic, based on maximizing the return for the effort expended. An intensive pedestrian survey of 1,975 acres of promontories was carried out as the field work portion of the project. This was ac-complished by nine days of field survey by two people and one day of survey by three people. The work was initiated during the end of January, 1993, and was finished by mid-March, 1993. The survey technique involved walking with individuals spaced approximately 20 meters apart. This spacing varied somewhat with the topography of each promontory as many are characterized by a lower eroded bench based on the caprock around the perimeter, and a higher more vegetated bench along the center. Most of the promontories are projections, ridgelines, and isolated buttes, the spacing used allowed for adequate survey coverage of both benches present on the promontories. No testing was done on the sites located during the survey. The thin soil and obvious erosion affecting the sites made the possibility of intact below subsurface features highly un-likely. The artifacts collected during the survey are surface finds. All isolated finds were col-lected and a representative sample of artifacts was collected from each site identified during the survey. The minimum criteria for distin-guishing a site from isolated finds is the presence of a minimum of four artifacts within a 100 square meter area. Photographs, both color and black and white, and slides were taken of sites and isolated find localities. These photographs were taken to best demonstrate the view achieved in relation to the locale. In addition, photographs were taken from several promontories to provide a sample of views falling under the vista types defined in the research design. -15- Bartleu, Bement and Brooks Figure 5a. Isolated butte of Vista 1. Figure 5b. High ridge point typical of Vista 2. -16-
Object Description
Okla State Agency |
Archeological Survey, Oklahoma |
Okla Agency Code | 'ARC' |
Title | Cultural resource assessment of promontories in western Oklahoma. |
Authors |
Bartlett, Robert B. Bement, Leland C. Brooks, Robert L. Oklahoma Archeological Survey. |
Publisher | University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Archeological Survey |
Publication Date | 1993-08 |
Publication type | Research Report/Study |
Subject |
Archaeological surveying--Oklahoma. Oklahoma--Antiquities. |
Purpose | "This survey was conducted to better understand the use of promontories by prehistoric peoples in western Oklahoma and provide a base-line study of the cultural significance of this special feature of the landscape." |
Notes | Project #40-92-70137.002;This publication is funded by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Oklahoma Historical Society and the National Park Service. |
Series | Archeological resource survey report ; no.38 |
OkDocs Class# | A2200.7 R434s no. 38 1993 |
Digital Format | PDF, Adobe Reader required |
ODL electronic copy | Deposited by agency in print; scanned by Oklahoma Department of Libraries 11/2011 |
Rights and Permissions | This Oklahoma state government publication is provided for educational purposes under U.S. copyright law. Other usage requires permission of copyright holders. |
Language | English |
Date created | 2011-11-07 |
Date modified | 2014-05-05 |
OCLC number | 759939388 |
Description
Title | Cultural Resource Assessment |
OkDocs Class# | A2200.7 R434s |
Digital Format | PDF, Adobe Reader required |
ODL electronic copy | Deposited by agency in print; scanned by Oklahoma Department of Libraries 11/2011 |
Rights and Permissions | This Oklahoma state government publication is provided for educational purposes under U.S. copyright law. Other usage requires permission of copyright holders. |
Language | English |
Full text |
, 2200.7 R434s No. 38 c.3
A CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
OF PROMONTORIES
IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA
August, 1993
By
Robert B. Bartlett
Leland C. Bement
Robert L. Brooks
The University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Archeological Survey
Archeological Resource Survey Report No. 38
This publication, printed by the Oklahoma Geological Survey, is issued by The University of
Oklahoma and authorized by the Director of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey. This
publication is funded by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Oklahoma Historical Society
and the National Park Service.
A CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
OF PROMONTORIES
IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA
By
Robert B. Bartlett
Leland C. Bement
Robert L. Brooks
Project #40-92-70137.002
The University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma Archeological Survey
Archeological Resource Survey Report No. 38
August, 1993
-ii-
Publisher's address:
Oklahoma Archeological Survey
111 E. Chesapeake
Norman, OK 73019-0575
ISBN: 1-881346-30-7
©1993
by
Oklahoma Archeological Survey
Norman, Oklahoma 73019
Printed in the United States of America
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This report was made possible through a grant
from the Oklahoma Office of Historic Prserva-tion.
We are indebted to the landowners in the
project area for their cooperation and support
concerning the goals of this project. In par-ticular
we thank Wes Walker, Simpson Walker
Jr., Charles Edwards, Wes Matteson, Vera
Eversole, Harold Penner, Ed Penner, Jerry
Nicholson, Jerry Noble and Marvin Heufield.
Don Wyckoff provided comments on the draft,
Julieta Rachel prepared the illustrations, and
Martha Lopez assembled the final report.
-iii-
eligibility. Site 34MJ30 is a rock cairn which
may be actively used by members of the
Cheyenne Nation and should therefore be
protected. The artifact density present on the
surface of 34WD88 indicates this site may be
the result of intensive Late Prehistoric occupa-tions.
Systematic testing of this site to deter-mine
National Register status would be
recommended prior to disturbance by any ac-tivities
falling under Section 106. Though the
majority of the sites lack integrity, the survey
results indicate that potential National Register
sites do occur on promontories.
ABSTRACT
An intensive pedestrian survey of 1,975 acres
of promontory landforms in Major and Wood-ward
counties of northwestern Oklahoma
resulted in the location of 10 sites and 20
isolated find localities. The sites tend to be
located on promontories overlooking stream
valleys while the isolated finds tend to occur on
promontories affording a view of wide
floodplains along river valleys. Of the 10 sites
located by the survey, two are rock cairns and
eight are identified by lithic scatters. Two of
the ten sites, 34MJ30 and 34WD88, may war-rant
consideration for National Register
iv
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION 1
ENVIRONMENT •
Physiography
Geology
Soils
Climate
Vegetation
CULTURAL BACKGROUND •
Prehistoric Chronology for the Southern Plains
Previous Archeological Work Relating to Project Area
RESEARCH DESIGN
Project Area
Current Research on Promontories
Research Questions
METHODS AND FIELD TECHNIQUES •
PROMONlORY SURVEY RESULTS
Promontory Vistas Types
SITE DESCRIPTIONS
34MJ28.
34MJ29.
34MJ30.
34MJ31.
34WD88
34WD89
34WD90
34WD91
34WD92
34WD93
ISOLATED FIND DESCRIPTIONS
ARTIFACT DESCRIPTIONS
ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Research Question 1 •
Research Question 2 •
Research Question 3 .
Research Question 4 •
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES CITED
1
1
4
78
8
8
8
.12
.13
.13
.13
• 14
.15
• 17
.17
.22
.22
.23
.23
.25
.25
.27
.27
.28
.28
.29
.31
.31
34
.34
.36
.36
.36
.37
.39
-v-
INTRODUCTION
This survey was conducted to better under-stand
the use of promontories by prehistoric
peoples in western Oklahoma and provide a
base-line study of the cultural significance of
this special feature of the landscape.
Promontories include such landforms as high
terraces along deeply incised river valleys,
knolls on upland ridge lines between drainage
basins, and buttes or erosional remnants of
surfaces associated with older landscapes.
Archaeological investigations have yielded
considerable information on prehistoric occupa-tions
in central and eastern Oklahoma. Inves-tigations
conducted in conjunction with large
reservoir construction projects have yielded the
bulk of our knowledge concerning these oc-cupations.
Very few projects of this large scale
have taken place in western Oklahoma, making
this region the part of the state least known
archaeologically (Wyckoff and Brooks 1983).
However, where systematic surveys have been
conducted in western Oklahoma, such as the
Wolf Creek and Quartermaster Creek
drainages, numerous sites are reported (Baugh
et al. 1984; Drass and Turner 1989).
Promontory landforms are a prevalent feature
in many areas of western Oklahoma, and very
little is currently known concerning the use of
these potential landmarks by prehistoric and
historic aboriginal peoples. Studies in other
areas have noted the prehistoric and historic
use of promontories for such purposes as hunt-ing
overlooks (Hughes 1991; Hofman and In-gbar
1988), signal posts (Turpin 1984, 1985),
and for ceremonial uses such as vision quests
(Graham and Graham 1986; Chartkoff 1983;
Conner 1982; Wedel 1961). The use of
promontory type land forms can be considered
in investigations of regional settlement patterns
(Judge 1973). While not presenting a com-prehensive
overview, these studies reveal the
significance of these landforms as a cultural
resource.
Today, promontory land forms are often
selected as sites for the construction of telecom-munication
and radar devices. Other uses in-clude
oil wells along with associated pipelines
and access roads. Large scale cultural resource
management projects do not typically involve
investigation of promontory landforms and
have resulted in a gap in our knowledge of the
cultural significance of promontories in Ok-lahoma.
This gap has hampered the treatment
of this resource in the Section 106 consultation
process. The results of this project have sup-plied
information regarding the prehistoric use
of this specialized setting that can aid in making
management decisions for those parts of the
state where such landforms occur.
An intensive pedestrian survey was conducted
of 1,975 acres of promontory land forms along
the Cimarron River in Major and Woodward
counties (Figure 1). The survey resulted in the
identification of 10 sites and 20 isolated finds.
ENVIRONMENT
Physiography
The survey area (Figure 2) is located in the
Cimarron Gypsum Hills region of Major and
Woodward counties in northwest Oklahoma
(Curtis andHam 1972:3). The area is charac-terized
by broken hills, buttes, and mesas
capped with thick layers of gypsum and
dolomite. This area lies along the eastern edge
of the transition zone between the tall and mixed
grass prairie of the Red Bed Plains to the east
and the short grass High Plains to the west.
The survey focused along a steep escarpment
marking the boundary between the Gypsum
Hills and the Red Bed Plains to the east (Morris
et al. 1976:3). This southeasterly trending es-carpment
features highly eroded buttes, mesas,
and bluffs rising some 87 meters above the flood
-1-
Nt
.. r-,. {,..\. Blaine Formation Escarpment '--' '....' .
•-. 1! II\\:\\:\\\\\\\\\\\\:\\\\\I Project Area
Woodward
o 5 10 mil••
I!!!!I!!!!~-!!!FI •~••• ii~;;;.,ij:f'
o 5 10 15 kil0m0_
Major
Figure 1. Project area along the Cimarron River in northwestern Oklahoma.
Cultural Resource Assessment o[ Promontories
D
Figure 2.
Western Sand Dune
Belts
High Plains
Central Redbed
Plains
• Western Redbed Plains ~ Cimarron Gypsum Hills
Western Sandstone
Hills
~~
Weatherford Gypsum Hills
o 10 20 30 miles l•• r'~Iiiiiiiiiiiit!!~II!!!!I'
o 20 30 kilomet81S
Ni
-3-
Physiographic provinces of Northwest Oklahoma (adapted from Curtis and Ham 1972).
Bartlett, Bement and Brooks
Numerous Quaternary age sand dunes averag-ing
2.5 to 4.5 meters high and occasionally
attaining heights of 12 meters occur along the
north terrace of the Cimarron River (Allgood
1968:36). These dunes and hummocks form a
strip approximately 1.5 to 3.2 kilometers wide
running parallel to the river. Some of these
dunes, such as those at Little Sahara State Park,
are active. Salt flats consisting of a hard, thick
crust deposited by salt springs along the Cimar-ron
River are found to the west of the project
area.
plain. The Cimarron River follows
southeasterly along the escarpment. The river
flows to within 400 to 1600 meters of the
escarpment in the western part of the survey
area, and from 1.6 to 4 kilometers of the
escarpment in the eastern part of the survey
area. From the eastern edge of the area sur-veyed,
the Cimarron River trends more to the
east and the escarpment trends to the south
through Blaine County.
The escarpment also marks the northern edge
of a divide between the Cimarron and North
Canadian rivers. The North Canadian River is
approximately 32 kilometers to the south.
Several small tributary streams of the Cimarron
River make up the major drainages of the
divide. Major streams located in the survey
area include Cheyenne, Barney, Griever, and
Main Creeks in Major County, and Sand,
Chimney, and Doe Creeks in Woodward Coun-ty
(Figure 3).
The highest elevations on the divide are along
the southern edge close to the North Canadian
River. From this point the streams flow north-easterly
toward the Cimarron. The stream val-leys
open onto wide floodplains bounded by
highly eroded bluffs that form the escarpment.
This is a function of the geology of the region
with the softer formations of the EI Reno group
being more erodible then the predominate Rush
Springs and Marlow sandstones through which
the North Canadian River flows. The dif-ference
in elevation between the Cimarron
River and the higher North Canadian River in
the counties of the survey is as much as 153
meters.
Elevations along the Cimarron River in the
survey area range from 457 meters amsl in the
western area to 384 meters amsl (above mean
sea level) in the eastern end. Elevations range
from 472 to 518 meters amsl on the ridge and
mesa tops. The rise in elevation is acute as the
escarpment rises abruptly from the floodplain.
Higher elevations of slightly more than 549
meters amsl occur along the divide between the
Cimarron and North Canadian rivers.
Geology
The regional geology of the survey area is
dominated by massive Upper Permian forma-tions
of the Guadalupean Series (Fay 1964).
These formations dip to the southwest and be-came
overlaid by Tertiary and Pleistocene
deposits. The formations are characterized by
interbedded sandstones, shales, and evaporites
formed by the repeated evaporation of an inland
sea (Johnson 1972). The subsequent erosion of
these formations has resulted in a landscape
characterized by steep buttes, ridgelines, and
projections. These land forms, combined with
prevailing mineralogy, have resulted in such
place names as the Glass Mountains and
Oklahoma's Painted Desert.
The formations exposed in the survey area
(Figure 4) are known as the El Reno Group
consisting of the Flower Pot Shale, Blaine For-mation,
and Dog Creek Shale (Fay 1964). The
EI Reno Group is overlaid by the Whitehorse
Group consisting of the Marlow Formation and
the Rush Springs Sandstone which are visible
in the uplands just south of the survey area.
The Flower Pot Shale Formation is the lowest
member of the group and is made up of reddish
shales with interbedded siltstones, dolomites
and sandstones (Fay 1964: 10). This formation
is highly visible along the edge of the escarp-ment
where up to 76 meters of the formation is
exposed and forms the base of the buttes and
mesas.
III -. _ 1
J
o 5 I- -I wi ,.
o 5 10
1I0 mileo
'115 kilolJl |
Date created | 2011-11-07 |
Date modified | 2011-11-07 |