Archaeology and History of Lake Ray Roberts, Volume 2, Construction Area Testing

Site testing within the Lake Ray Roberts dam site construction area involved an integrated, two-stage program of auger testing, surface collecting, test pit excavation, and historical research for a total of 60 sites in northern Denton County Texas, including 15 prehistoric sites, 22 historic sites without standing structures, 16 historic sites with standing structures, and 7 sites with both historic and prehistoric components. Based on this work, the earliest human occupation occurred during the Middle Archaic period, and aboriginal occupation reached a peak during the Late Archaic. White settlement began during the 1840s and reached a peak following 1875. Based on these results, it is recommended that 31 sites be nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, including 8 prehistoric sites, 13 historic sites, and 10 standing structure sites. (Author)