Cultural Resources Evaluation of Portions of the Aloha-Rigolette Area, Louisiana Flood Control Project, Grant Parish, Louisiana

A cultural resources survey was conducted in connection with the proposed Aloha-Rigolette flood control project. Geomorphological and historic documents were reviewed and a field survey was carried out. Field work involved: survey of a 28 acre area near the confluence of Bayou Rigolette and Sam's Bayou; canoe survey along 8.2 mi of Bayou Darrow; search for Site 16GR4, which had been reported by Fisk; and survey of a 23 acre area east of the mouth of Bayou Darrow. Terrestrial survey of the 28 acre tract revealed the presence of two cultural properties, the Bynum Cemetery (16GR469) and a prehistoric chipping station (16GR423). Both these were located outside the survey area proper. Due to the lack of stratified deposits and the general paucity of artifacts, 16GR423 was adjudged ineligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Riparian survey along Bayou Darrow failed to reveal cultural properties, but the search for site 16GR4 (Indian Hill) succeeded. This site was found to be well outside the survey area, and was determined to have been mislocated on the Division of Archaeology site form. The site is described as a prehistoric lithic quarry, but initial examination revealed that it has suffered considerable disturbance, insofar as it is currently used as a gravel quarry. Current data do not support nomination of this site to the National Register of Historic Places, but further exploration of the site is recommended.