Harrell Site
Encyclopedia
The Harrell Site, also known as the M.D. Harrell Site, is a Native American
archeological site near South Bend
in southern Young County, Texas
. The site was discovered in 1937 as a result of survey work for the area to be inundated by the Possum Kingdom Lake
. The site occupies the first and second terraces above the Brazos River
's floodplain
. Archeological investigation began in 1938 as a Work Projects Administration and University of Texas Statewide Archeological Survey. The site documents a Plains Indian agricultural village, and was first excavated in 1938-39. The site contains artifacts from the Late Prehistoric period, approximately 1200 AD to 1600 AD, including a variety of chipped stone points and scrapers. Fired earthenware bowls and jars have also been found.
The site contains numerous hearths and more than one hundred burial sites, suggesting a settled population. Excavations have also found evidence of mass graves, scalpings, and bodies with other signs of murder and mutilation such as dismemberment and arrow wounds dating back around 1000 - 1500 A.D., leading archaeologists to believe the area was sought after because of its access to water and fertile farmland. The site is still under excavation today.
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
archeological site near South Bend
South Bend, Texas
South Bend is an unincorporated community in Young County, Texas, United States. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had an estimated population of 140 in 2000.-Geography:...
in southern Young County, Texas
Young County, Texas
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,943 people, 7,167 households, and 5,081 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile . There were 8,504 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile...
. The site was discovered in 1937 as a result of survey work for the area to be inundated by the Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake
Possum Kingdom Lake , is a reservoir on the Brazos River located primarily in Palo Pinto County Texas. It was the first water supply reservoir constructed in the Brazos River basin. The lake has an area of approximately with of shoreline...
. The site occupies the first and second terraces above the Brazos River
Brazos River
The Brazos River, called the Rio de los Brazos de Dios by early Spanish explorers , is the longest river in Texas and the 11th longest river in the United States at from its source at the head of Blackwater Draw, Curry County, New Mexico to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico with a drainage...
's floodplain
Floodplain
A floodplain, or flood plain, is a flat or nearly flat land adjacent a stream or river that stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls and experiences flooding during periods of high discharge...
. Archeological investigation began in 1938 as a Work Projects Administration and University of Texas Statewide Archeological Survey. The site documents a Plains Indian agricultural village, and was first excavated in 1938-39. The site contains artifacts from the Late Prehistoric period, approximately 1200 AD to 1600 AD, including a variety of chipped stone points and scrapers. Fired earthenware bowls and jars have also been found.
The site contains numerous hearths and more than one hundred burial sites, suggesting a settled population. Excavations have also found evidence of mass graves, scalpings, and bodies with other signs of murder and mutilation such as dismemberment and arrow wounds dating back around 1000 - 1500 A.D., leading archaeologists to believe the area was sought after because of its access to water and fertile farmland. The site is still under excavation today.
External links
- M.D. Harrell Site Handbook of Texas OnlineHandbook of TexasThe Handbook of Texas is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Texas geography, history, and historical persons published by the Texas State Historical Association .-History:...