Did you know that there are over 700 registered archaeological sites in Metro Nashville/Davidson County alone, and there are thousands more waiting to be discovered and preserved.
The rich history of the area spans over 13,000 years. Metro Nashville seeks to document and preserve this heritage. To do so, we need your help to protect archaeological sites. Archaeology is the systematic and scientific study of the past through material culture or the stuff people have left behind. Archaeologists employ a scientific process to record the location of objects on the landscape and in soil layers. This methodology allows archaeologists to be able to date artifacts and soil layers and associate artifacts with people. Uncontrolled digging, such as the digging for relics, can destroy the archaeological record and should be avoided and is prohibited on Metro property, including parks.
The Archaeology Process
Archaeological sites provide us with a window into the lives of the many people who have called Nashville home. Through careful excavation of the soil and the material that they have left behind, we can begin to tell their history. For many in Nashville, their story is not found in the history books or records. Instead, the material that they left behind is that only record.
The Historical Commission reviews the potential impacts of projects on archaeological resources, largely through the planning review process. Projects are evaluated based on registered archaeological sites and the potential for archaeological sites. Land use, site disturbance, nearby resources, and topography are some of the factors used in evaluating the potential for archaeological resources.
Based on known or potential archaeological resources, the Historical Commissio may recommend documentation and/or different levels of excavation. The Tennessee Division of Archaeology maintains a list of archaeological contractors who can conduct this work. The Historical Commissio also partners with state and federal agencies on projects affecting archaeological resources in Metro Nashville.
Not all projects fall under the review of the Historical Commissio. Therefore, the public is encouraged to look out for archaeological resources and notify the MHC if resources are being threatened or destroyed. By working together, we can better preserve the past and safeguard this heritage.
Levels of Excavation
| Type | Objective | Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Locate and identify the type and boundaries of a site | Historical research, surface survey, trenching, shovel test pits, and soil boring |
| Phase II | Define the site and evaluate its integrity | Trenching, shovel test pits, soil boring, and excavation units |
| Phase III | Recover data at the site | Trenching, excavation units, mechanical soil stripping |
Methods
All methods seek to uncover and document archaeological resources in a controlled and scientific manner. Methods are often tailored to the research goals and the condition and setting of a property.
Surface Survey
A surface survey is a systematic walk-over survey of ground surfaces with high soil visibility, such as recently plowed fields. Surface survey can help locate artifact concentrations.
Shovel Test Pits or STPs
Shovel Test Pits are small test pits dug stratigraphically with a shovel. Shovel Test Pits are dug in a grid at set intervals to maximize the coverage of a test area. Shovel Test Pits can be an effective method for testing large areas with cultural deposits less than a meter in depth.
Trenching
Trenching allows for sampling of a larger area by exposing soil stratigraphy and locating deeper deposits. Trenches can be excavated by hand or machine. Trenching can be effective in excavating in developed or urban settings where resources may be deeper or under fill layers.
Soil boring
Soil boring is used to study soil stratigraphy and locate cultural layers in deeper deposits that are difficult to excavate by hand. Soil boring can be useful with soils on flood plains or in urban settings.
Excavation units
Excavation units are usually square or rectangular-shaped, excavated by hand, and are used in a grid to excavate an area stratigraphically.
Mechanical soil stripping
In areas with disturbance or where a large surface needs to be exposed, an excavator is used to remove layers of soil to expose cultural layers below. Soil stripping can be used in developed or urban areas or areas that have a plowzone from agriculture.
Resources
The Metro Historical Commission is committed to preserving the archaeological heritage of Davidson County and has an archaeologist on staff. Please contact Adam Fracchia with any questions or concerns or if you are interested in participating in public archaeology.
Additionally, the Tennessee Division of Archaeology is dedicated to preserving the archaeological heritage of Tennessee and has a number of resources for professionals and the public.