922600-03 Attachment C - Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey.pdf

Confidential

Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey for Proposed Improvements at the

Montauk Historic Site and Preserve, Fayette County, Iowa

Wapsi Valley Archaeology

Report No. 1266

Prepared for:

Iowa Department of Administrative Services

By Danny M. Finn and Michael R. Finn

Michael R. Finn, Principal Investigator

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc.

126 East Main Street

Anamosa, Iowa 52205

(319) 462-4760

October 2022 jboever Text Box Attachment C - Phase I Intensive Archaeological Survey for Proposed Improvements at the Montauk Historic Site and Preserve, Fayette County, Iowa

Phase I Archaeological Survey for Proposed Improvements at the

Montauk Historic Site and Preserve, Fayette County, Iowa

Wapsi Valley Archaeology

Report No. 1266

Prepared for:

Iowa Department of Administrative Services

By Danny M. Finn and Michael R. Finn

Michael R. Finn, Principal Investigator

126 East Main Street

Anamosa, Iowa 52205

(319) 462-4760

October 2022

Anamosa, IA

Table of Contents

Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures Abstract Introduction Project Area Description

PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

REGIONAL PHYSIOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

OVERVIEW OF GEOMORPHOLOGY

SOILS

LOCAL CONTEXT

Approach to Research

PROJECT BACKGROUND

DISPOSITION OF RECORDS

Archaeological and Historical Background

PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

PREVIOUS HISTORIC RESEARCH

Fieldwork Results

SITE 13FT152

Conclusions Recommendations References Table Figures Appendix 1: NADB Form Appendix 2: Inventory Of Artifacts Recovered From Site 13FT152 Appendix 3: Supplemental Site Form

List of Tables

Table 1. Summary Information of Mapped Soils in the Project Areas

Table 2. Typical Pedon and Geomorphic Context of Soils Mapped in the Project Areas

Table 3. Archaeological Surveys of the Montauk Historic Site and Preserve

Table 4. Previously Recorded Archaeological Surveys within One Mile of the Project Areas

Table 5. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within One Mile of the Project Areas

Table 6. Depth Distribution of Masonry Objects Recovered in the North Outbuilding Yard

Table 7. Summary of Artifacts Recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Table 8. Depth Distribution of Masonry Objects Recovered in the East Yard

Table 9 Summary of Artifacts Recovered from the East Yard

Table 10. Soil Profiles of Representative Subsurface Tests

List of Figures

Figure 1. Map of Fayette County, Iowa, showing the general location of the project area

Figure 2. Topographic map of the project location

Figure 3. 2021 Aerial orthophotograph showing project areas, extant buildings, structures, and locations of subsurface tests

Figure 4. Iowa landform map showing the Paleozoic Plateau and the general location of the project area

Figure 5. Idealized cross section of a stream valley showing DeForest Formation members and nearby upland geomorphological packages

Figure 6. Chart showing DeForest Formation members and associated cultural periods

Figure 7. LiDAR-derived hillshade image showing soils mapped in the project areas

Figure 8. View of the East Yard and Auger Test T-17, view to the south

Figure 9. View of the Front Yard and East Yard, facing west

Figure 10. Overview of the North Outbuilding Yard, view to the west

Figure 11. Utility Corridor, view to the east

Figure 12. 1875 Andreas plat map of Clermont Township showing the project area location

Figure 13. 2021 orthophotograph showing the current project area and locations of subsurface tests

Figure 14. Examples of subsurface tests from across the project area

Figure 15. Metal artifacts recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Figure 16. A piece of sterling silver jewelry recovered from Auger Test T-11 of the North

Outbuilding Yard

Figure 17. Glass artifacts recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Figure 18. Faunal elements recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Figure 19. Ceramic sherds recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Figure 20. Masonry objects recovered from the North Outbuilding Yard

Figure 21. Representative artifacts from the East Yard

Figure 22. Field photograph of large limestone pieces recovered from Auger Test T-23 from depths ranging between 20 and 30 centimeters

Abstract This report presents the results of a Phase I intensive archaeological survey completed for proposed improvements to the Montauk Historic Site in Clermont, Fayette County, Iowa. Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. of Anamosa, Iowa, conducted this study for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. The project area is located in Section 27, T95N, R7W, Fayette County, Iowa.

The current project area was divided into three segments, which were labeled for clarity as the North Outbuilding Yard, the East Yard, and the Utility Corridor. Previous archaeological work at the site, notably the Phase II and Phase III investigations completed by Wapsi Valley in the West Yard, Back Yard, Service Zone, and Service Zone Perimeter around the extant Montauk buildings, had identified intact stratigraphic components indicative of various occupational periods at the estate.

The primary goals of the Phase I investigation were to determine whether archaeological remains associated with previously recorded Site 13FT152 extend into the project area, and, if so, whether they potentially contribute to the National Register status of the site.

Phase I intensive survey fieldwork occurred between August 16 and August 18, 2022. A pedestrian survey across each area revealed that the modern lawns have reduced ground surface visibility to 0 percent. Auger tests were completed through each of the three project segments. Testing revealed possible intact stratigraphic components in both the North Outbuilding Yard and the East Yard, the former containing a high density of cultural materials adjacent to the extant outbuildings. A possible intact stratigraphic sequence was also encountered in the East Yard, though artifacts were primarily masonry objects likely associated with the initial construction of the Montauk estate. No artifacts were found in the Utility Corridor.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. recommends avoidance or Phase II archaeological testing and evaluation of the archaeological deposits found in the North Outbuilding Yard due to the possible presence of intact stratigraphy and a varied artifact assemblage associated with the creation and subsequent use of the outbuildings north of the residence.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. also recommends avoidance or limited Phase II archaeological testing of the archaeological deposits found in the East Yard due to the possible presence of intact stratigraphy but a more redundant artifact assemblage associated with deposits this area.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. recommends no further work for the Utility Corridor.

Introduction

This report presents the results of a Phase I intensive archaeological survey for the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve and associated archaeological site, Site 13FT152, located in Section 27, T95N, R7W, Fayette County, Iowa (Figure 1). The Iowa Department of Administrative Services is planning future improvements to the Montauk residence, caretaker’s house, and other outbuildings on the site. Three areas required a Phase I intensive archaeological survey: the yard north of the outbuildings (North Outbuilding Yard), the yard east of the Main House (East Yard), and a utility corridor for a pipe (Utility Corridor).

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. completed the Phase I archaeological field investigation of the project area in August of 2022.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. of Anamosa, Iowa, conducted this study for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services. This study is intended to assist with project planning and compliance with state and federal requirements, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The purpose of this survey was to identify archaeological sites in the project area and to provide federal and state reviewing agencies with documentation of the project’s effects on historic properties. Historic properties include archaeological sites as well as other types of cultural resources determined eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Phase I fieldwork at Site 13FT152 was conducted from August 16 through August 18, 2022. The field crew consisted of Danny M. Finn, Patrick Hashman, Nurit G. Finn, and Michael Finn. Michael R. Finn is the Principal Investigator of this project. Danny M. Finn authored this report in consultation with Michael Finn. Nurit G. Finn served as Project Manager. Eleisha Barnett assisted with report formatting and production.

Information contained in this report relating to the nature and location of archaeological sites is considered private and confidential and not for public disclosure in accordance with Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 307103); 36 CFR Part 800.6 (a)(5) of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s rules implementing Sections 106 and 110 of the Act;

Section 9(a) of the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (54 U.S.C. § 100707); and Chapter 22.7, subsection 20, of the Iowa Code.

Project Area Description

PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve and associated archaeological site, Site 13FT152, is located in Section 27, T95N, R7W, Fayette County, Iowa (Figures 1 and 2). The historic campus consists of the Larrabee mansion, associated outbuildings, and the larger estate, which as a whole is situated on a 46-acre (18.6-hectare) property north of the city of Clermont (Figure 2). The Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve was the home and estate of Iowa's twelfth governor, William Larrabee, and his family. The centerpiece of the site is the Larrabee mansion, which is known as Montauk. Built in 1874, the mansion remained in the Larrabee family well into the twentieth century. The mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1973. The estate was given to the State of Iowa in 1976, and the property became a public museum and state preserve in 1984.

The property was listed on the National Register due to its significance in the areas of art, education, politics, and its association with a person significant to Iowa’s history. Although the original documentation is brief, under current National Register eligibility criteria, the Montauk estate is significant due to its importance to Iowa’s history (Criterion A), for its association with a person of significance (Criterion B), and for the distinctive architectural features of the building (Criterion C). Site 13FT152 represents the archaeological component of the historic Larrabee mansion, outbuildings, and grounds that make up the Montauk property, and was previously found contributing under Criterion D, for its potential to address important research questions about history.

The current project area was divided into three segments, designated by Wapsi Valley Archaeology as the North Outbuilding Yard, the East Yard, and the Utility Corridor (Figure 3). The North Outbuilding Yard is shaped like an irregular rectangle and measures approximately 48 meters (157 feet) long and 19 meters wide (62 feet), totaling approximately 814 square meters (0.20 acres). The East Yard project area is a crescent-shaped area located to the east of the residence, measuring 48 meters (157 feet) long and 51 meters (167 feet) wide for a total of 937 square meters (0.23 acres). The Utility Corridor is a rectangle slightly angled northwest-southeast, measuring approximately 32 meters (105 feet) long and 10 meters (33 feet) wide for an approximate total of 325 square meters (0.08 acres).

The total area covered by this project is approximately 0.51 acres (0.21 hectares).

REGIONAL PHYSIOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The project area is in northeastern Iowa in a physiographic region known as the Paleozoic Plateau (Figure 4). This region of scenic, high-relief landscapes includes such features as resistant, bluff-forming bedrock outcrops, deep V-shaped valleys, caves, springs, and sinkholes (Prior 1991). Glacial deposits and loess are thin or absent over most of the region. The topography of the area is highly dissected by Mississippi River tributaries that became deeply entrenched during the Wisconsinan glaciation. Summits and stream terraces are generally level or rolling, and hillsides are often steep and rocky. In the western portion of the region, approaching what Prior terms the Silurian Escarpment (Prior 1991:

87), the topography becomes less angular as the influence of bedrock decreases and the thickness of loess and drift deposits increases.

OVERVIEW OF GEOMORPHOLOGY

Geomorphological processes in Iowa have been largely shaped by three major episodes of glacial advances of the Pleistocene Epoch—the Pre-Illinoian, Illinoian, and Wisconsinan—as well as the most recent interglacial period, called the Holocene, during which we live today. These periods carved the landscape across Iowa, giving rise to the characteristic topography across the state. Since people interacted with different topographic and environmental conditions during both the prehistoric and historic eras, thereby influencing the distributions of archaeological sites across the landscape, these different periods of time are important to consider.

The Wisconsinan glacial stage had a significant influence on the geomorphology of the project area, particularly in its upland settings. The erosional and depositional processes tied to the development of the Laurentide Ice Sheet supplied most of the soil parent material in this part of Iowa. These soil parent materials include the glacial till of the Dows Formation across the Des Moines Lobe, the Noah Creek glaciofluvial and fluvial deposits in stream valleys and outwash plains that drained the Des Moines Lobe, and the mobilization and subsequent deposition of Peoria and Pisgah Formation windblown loess in upland settings across much of the state (Bettis et al. 1992; Quade et al. 2002).

The project area occurs in the physiographic region untouched by Wisconsinan glaciers; this region is known as the Southern Iowa Drift Plain (Prior 1991).

Uplands in this region are characterized by rolling hills comprised of Peoria loess mantling Pre-Illinoian till.

The earliest people to live in Iowa inhabited the state at the end of the last glacial period; however, it is during the current interglacial stage known as the Holocene that human population levels have increased, thus increasing the occurrence of archaeological sites. For this reason, the Holocene Interglacial is the time period having the most profound effects on archaeological site formation processes.

Some of these processes, mainly associated with alluvial deposition in stream valleys, have resulted in the burial and preservation of archaeological sites.

Other erosional processes have contributed to the destruction of archaeological sites over time.

Holocene-aged alluvial deposits in Iowa are classified as belonging to the DeForest Formation. Bettis and Littke (1987) suggested that these deposits are not spatially isolated but instead occur in a patterned manner across different river valley systems over the state. These deposits include four members, or subunits, each of which corresponds to a geomorphic event believed to represent a specific timeframe. These subunits include the Camp Creek Member (valley alluvium, 400 years BP to present), the Roberts Creek Member (valley alluvium, 3,000 to 500 years BP), the Gunder Member (valley alluvium, 10,500 to 3,500 years BP), and the Corrington Member (alluvial fans, 9,000 to 2,500 years BP).

This classification system is a useful framework for interpreting the development of parts of the archaeological record in Iowa. Camp Creek deposits have potential for containing buried historic and late prehistoric land surfaces. Roberts Creek deposits have potential for containing buried surfaces with Late Archaic through early historic affiliations. Both the Gunder and Corrington Members have potential for containing buried surfaces with Paleoindian through Woodland associations. This work leads to the conclusion that different deposits are associated with distinct timeframes and have different potentials regarding the recovery of archaeological materials (Bettis and Thompson 1982; Bettis and Benn 1984; Quade et al. 2002). Figure 5 depicts how each of these members may be represented in the Iowa landscape.

Generally speaking, as drainage capabilities of soils increase (the soils become drier) and slopes decrease, suitability for archaeological sites also increases.

Other factors, such as proximity to water, food resources, and raw material resources for tool production, would also have contributed to whether humans would have decided to use a location for habitation or other activities. It should be noted that the presence of Holocene alluvial soils does not predict that an area was suitable for human use or habitation. In addition, it does not predict whether an archaeological site will be present at that location. The presence of Holocene alluvial deposits simply implies that sediments of a certain age will be present at a particular location (Figure 6), indicating that there is some potential for intact or buried archaeological sites if that area had been used by people in the past.

The current project areas lies in uplands overlooking the Turkey River valley.

Based on its setting and location, the project area is considered to have a moderate to high potential for prehistoric archaeological sites, which, if present, might be found at or near the ground surface within the project area.

SOILS

Three soil types have been mapped across the project areas: Downs silt loam (162B), Rock outcrop-Nordness complex (478G), and Exette silt loam (763D2) (NRCS 2022). These soil types are shown in Figure 7 and in Table 1. The Downes and Exette soils are typically well-drained and formed in loess. The Nordness soil type typically directly overlies bedrock. The soils in the project area are found on linear upland rises, side slopes and head slopes. They formed under native vegetation of deciduous forests and, in the case of Downs silt loam, some native prairie vegetation.

Table 1. Summary Information of Mapped Soils in the Project Areas (NRCS 2022; Artz 2005).

Map Unit Name

Map Unit Symbol Landscape Position

Drainage/ Permeability Native Vegetation

Slope

Downs silt loam

162B Interfluves and side slopes on uplands and on treads and risers on stream terraces

Well-drained Tall prairie grass and widely spaced oak and hickory deciduous forest

2-6

Rock outcrop-

Nordness complex

478G High structural benches, crests, and convex side slopes on uplands

Well-drained Oak and hickory deciduous forest

25-60

Exette silt loam

763D2 Short, convex to linear side slopes and head slopes on uplands

Well-drained Oak and hickory deciduous forest

9-14

Table 2 (next page) summarizes the typical pedon and geomorphological context of soils found in the project area segments. Downs silt loam has a pedon consisting of an Ap-E-BE-Bt1-Bt2-Bt3-BC1-BC2 horizon sequence. The project area consists of 29 percent Downs silt loam. Exette silt loam has a typical pedon consisting of an Ap-BA-Bw1-Bw2-BC-C1-C2 horizon sequence. Exette soils typically developed in loess in the uplands. Approximately 45 percent of the project area is mapped in Exette silt loam. The typical pedon for Nordness-Rock outcrop soils are an A-BE-Bt1-2Bt2-3R horizon sequence. The project area segments contain 26 percent Nordness-Rock outcrop soils, which are shallow soils that directly overlie bedrock. These mapped soil types suggest that the project area segments have the potential for surficial or shallowly buried archaeological deposits in the uplands. Historic construction of the estate and associated buildings may have impacted precontact archaeological deposits.

Table 2. Typical Pedon and Geomorphic Context of Soils Mapped in the Project Areas (NRCS 2022; Artz 2005).

Map Unit Name

Map Unit Symbol

Portion of Project Area

Formation/Parent Material Typical Pedon

Downs silt loam 162B 29 Loess Ap-E-BE-Bt1-Bt2-Bt3-BC1-BC2 Rock outcrop-

Nordness complex

478G 26 Loamy or silty material and a paleosol over limestone bedrock

A-BE-Bt1-2Bt2-3R

Exette silt loam 763D2 45 Loess Ap-BA-Bwl-Bw2-BC-C1-C2

LOCAL CONTEXT

The Montauk Historic Site is located on an upland ridge overlooking the Turkey River valley and the small town of Clermont, Iowa. The deep Exette loess-derived soils overlie Ordovician bedrock. These rocks are exhibited in the road cut on the highway as it traverses the side slopes of the Turkey River valley.

The estate is centered around the Montauk residence. The grounds surrounding the residence are covered by grass lawn (Figure 8). A gravel driveway encircles the mansion (Figure 9). Today, the main driveway approaches the mansion from the north with a small garden to the west (Figure 10); however, at one time the main entrance traversed the steep bluff southeast of the house. A row of outbuildings is located north of the gravel loop; these are named according to their historic functions, which were an icehouse, old well house, laundry/summer kitchen, woodshed, and shop. Several concrete sidewalks crisscross the backyard leading from the back porch of the residence to the outbuildings. The area surrounding the buildings is a well-maintained, mowed lawn that limits ground surface visibility. Currently surrounding the residence is landscaped grass (Figures 11). The slopes bordering the estate are covered with mature trees, which today mostly block the view of the valley to the south and west. There is a also a steep drop-off towards the highway to the east.

Approach to Research

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve, designated Site 13FT152, consists of the Larrabee mansion, associated buildings, and the larger estate situated on a 46-acre (18.6- hectare) property north of the city of Clermont.

Montauk, as it is known, was the residence of Iowa’s twelfth governor, William Larrabee, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in February of 1973. The building was nominated for the National Register due to its significance in the areas of art, education, politics, and its association with a person of significance to Iowa’s history (Allen 1972). Under current eligibility criteria, the property is likely significant for its importance to Iowa’s history (Criterion A), for its association with a person of significance (Criterion B), and for its distinctive architectural features (Criterion C). In addition, Site 13FT152 represents the archaeological component of the historic Larrabee mansion, outbuildings, and grounds that make up the Montauk property, and contributes to the property’s research significance (Criterion D).

Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. completed Phase II archaeological testing and evaluation of portions of the site in fall of 2018. We found that the site is individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D for its research potential to inform about the history of Iowa. In 2020, Wapsi Valley Archaeology completed data recovery excavations to gain information about portions of Site 13FT152 that would be adversely affected by a septic system project.

The portions of the site previously investigated indicate that Site 13FT152 retains integrity and can inform about the activities of the Larrabee household during the late 1800s. In addition, Site 13FT152 is also significant as a National Register-contributing element to a larger district designation for the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve under Criteria A, B, and C.

The site has been documented to lie in the yard area immediately north and west of the Montauk mansion, but the content and extent of archaeological materials in other areas has remained unknown. For this reason, a Phase I archaeological survey was needed to determine whether the site extends into the current project area and, if so, to assess the extent and nature of the archaeological deposits.

BACKGROUND RESEARCH METHODS

Background research included a review of the Iowa Archaeological Site Files via the I-Sites website maintained by the Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) and the University of Iowa (OSA-UI 2022). Available information included location information and site forms for previously identified archaeological sites and surveys near the project area. Additionally, pertinent archaeological, environmental, and historical reference materials, including soil surveys, and historic plat maps and aerial photographs, were consulted to assess land use history and the potential for historic resources within the project area. Specific maps consulted during our research at Montauk include the General Land Office survey plat map (GLO 1849), Andreas (1875), Warner and Foote (1879); Union Publishing (1896); and Hixson (1930). Aerial photographs from the late 1930s to the 1990s; various USDA orthophotographs (ISU GIS Facility 2022a); and a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) hill shade image were also consulted for this project (ISU GIS Facility 2022b). In addition, the current investigation drew on historic documentation about the Montauk estate and previous archaeological work completed on the property (e.g. Bennett 2014, Finn et al. 2022). Spatial data were imported into ArcGIS for analysis.

FIELD METHODS

The survey entailed visually inspecting the ground surface of the entire project area for artifacts and other signatures of archaeological sites, followed by auger testing in areas with poor ground surface visibility and/or potential for subsurface archaeological deposits. Shovels were used for the initial removal of sod; tests were approximately 35-centimeters in diameter. The tests were extended by auger using a 20-centimeter-diameter Seymour auger per Guidelines for Archaeological Investigations in Iowa (AIA 2022). Auger tests were excavated in 10-cm (4-inch) arbitrary levels using a 20-cm- (8-inch-) diameter Seymour auger.

Subsurface tests were excavated down to sterile subsoil. All excavated soil was passed through a 1/4-inch hardware cloth to identify and recover artifacts.

Since color is a valuable tool in recognizing soil horizons, all soil colors were quantified using the Munsell color scheme on moist soils. Soil texture was also recorded. Field personnel recorded the location of each auger test using an Eos Arrow GPS unit equipped with sub-meter accuracy. All tests were backfilled upon completion.

DISPOSITION OF RECORDS

After fieldwork, all pertinent data collected during the survey were returned to Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. facilities in Anamosa, Iowa, where all records associated with the project are on file. Artifacts will be returned to the State Historical Society Repository in Des Moines for curation upon completion of the project.

Archaeological and Historical Background

PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Beginning in 1973, the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve was listed on the National Register for Historic Places under Criterion B due to its association with Governor of Iowa, William Larrabee, and Criterion C as a Victorian Italianate residence designed by E. Townsend Mix. In 1976, the Montauk estate was deeded to the State of Iowa. An extensive Resource Management Plan was prepared by the Iowa State Historical Department in 1978 to outline steps for development, interpretation, and preservation for the State Historical Board (McKay 1978). A subsequent Historic Resource Inventory Report and Management Recommendation prepared for the State Historical Society of Iowa in 2003 further strengthened research and documentation of the Montauk property (Price 2003).

Beginning in 2005, archaeological research at the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve identified the presence of an archaeological site, Site 13FT152, which was mapped to encompass a 4.5-acre area on the estate property. A summary of past archaeological research at Site 13FT152 is available below in Table 3.

Table 3. Previous Archaeological Surveys of the Montauk Historic Site and Preserve (OSA-UI 2022).

R and C Number Surveyors Year Affiliation

Surveys Within Study Area 20050833600 Leah Rogers 2005 Tall Grass Archaeology 20121233600 Jerome Thompson 2012 Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs TR 583 Alan J. Hawkins 2017 Office of the State Archaeologist

The site was originally recorded by Leah Rogers, who identified the potential importance of its archaeological deposits during a survey for improvements to the back porch and the construction of a sidewalk next to the mansion (Rogers 2005). Rogers noted that the site boundaries at that time were considered temporary but were drawn to include the existing buildings and to also encompass an artifact scatter observed in a garden plot in the yard northwest of the mansion. She recommended additional comprehensive Phase I survey to delineate the full extent of the site and assess its significance. Until the entire property is subjected to Phase I survey—as recommended by Rogers—the full spatial extent of the archaeological deposits at Site 13FT152 remains unknown.

In 2012, a Phase I archaeological survey was conducted on the grounds prior to installation of a water supply system, well, and septic tank (Thompson 2012). No historic artifacts or features were recorded during the survey, and it was recommended that project improvements would have no adverse effect on any potential archaeological components.

A Phase I intensive archaeological survey was later conducted by personnel from the Office of the State Archaeologist in 2017 for the proposed Montauk septic system improvement project (Hawkins 2017). The proposed project area covered 1.4 acres. During the Phase I survey, 18 auger tests were excavated within a two-pronged corridor that extended over a length of 220 meters by 5 meters. Fourteen of the 18 auger tests excavated by OSA contained historic artifacts or historic debris at varying depths. Also noteworthy was a piece of worked pipestone, possibly catlinite, from one auger test placed next to the house—this was the only prehistoric artifact found during the survey. The Phase I investigation was unable to address how these archaeological deposits relate to the residence, the occupation by the Larrabee family, or whether they represent the remains of discrete features or more widespread deposits of mixed fill. After consultation with the Iowa SHPO, the report recommended either avoidance of the north yard area or Phase II archaeological evaluation.

Three tests of particular interest from that survey are A3, A6, and A7, which were placed directly north of the outbuildings. These tests directly overlapped with a portion of Wapsi Valley Archaeology’s current project area in the North Outbuilding Yard segment. Of the three tests, two were positive for cultural materials, the negative test being completed directly behind the woodshed.

Wapsi Valley Archaeology staff chose to reevaluate the 2017 surveyed area due to new knowledge gained from Phase II and Phase III excavations.

In the summer of 2018, Wapsi Valley Archaeology, Inc. conducted Phase II testing and evaluation of Site 13FT152 to determine whether the site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (Giller et al. 2018). The Phase II investigation was limited to the north backyard of the mansion in the general location of proposed improvements. The excavation of eight units totaling 16 square meters revealed the presence of sealed archaeological deposits associated with the 1874 construction of the Montauk mansion. The site was found to retain integrity and good preservation, including preservation of faunal materials as well as charred botanical remains. Sometime around 1900, a layer of topsoil was deposited in the yard area, most likely to support plantings and a formal lawn. This topsoil covered and preserved the deposits associated with the earlier occupation of the mansion. The Phase II archaeological evaluation found that Site 13FT152 is individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D because it retains research potential and could inform about the activities of the Larrabee household during the late 1800s. In addition, Site 13FT152 is also National Register-eligible as a contributing element to a larger district designation for the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve under Criteria A, B, and C.

Phase III archaeological excavations at the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve by Wapsi Valley in 2019 identified a stratigraphic sequence present in the West Yard, Back Yard, Service Perimeter, and Service Zone project area segments (Moe et al. 2020). The sequence of fills was composed of three strata:

Pre-Montauk, an early debris layer deposited during the initial occupation of the residence between 1855 and 1874 CE; Montauk-1, a series of fills identified with the initial construction of the Montauk residence and associated outbuildings and subsequent occupational activities dated between 1874 and 1900 CE; and Montauk-2, the uppermost fill post-dating later construction activities around 1900 CE (see Finn et al. 2022:58-60 for discussion of stratigraphy and landscape zones). It was unknown if the stratigraphy extended to other areas of the property such as the North Outbuilding Yard or East Yard. Using the identified stratigraphic components, Phase III research explored research topics such as the spatial patterns of artifacts, landscape and the built environment of the property, leisure and labor, socioeconomic structure, development of farm economics, and diet and nutrition of the Larrabee family. The Phase III work by Wapsi Valley recommended that the State of Iowa consider listing the entire property as a historic district that includes the residence, caretaker’s house, associated outbuildings, surrounding grounds, and Site 13FT152 as contributing elements.

Further review of the I-Sites database indicates that 11 archaeological surveys have been completed within one mile of the project area (Table 4, next page).

Many of these were completed within the 1970s and 1980s. Recent surveys include three surveys by Lowell R. Blikre of Bear Creek Archeology in 2001 for a proposed bridge replacement, bike trail, and road improvements, respectively.

Two sites were recorded during the proposed bike trail survey Site 13FT138 and Site 13FT139. Joe B. Thompson of Bear Creek Archeology completed a proposed bridge replacement survey in 2008. No sites were recorded.

Table 4. Previously Recorded Archaeological Surveys within One Mile of the Study Area (OSA-UI 2022).

R and C Number Surveyors Year Affiliation

Surveys Within One Mile of the Study Area 19770957001 Anton Till 1977 Office of the State Archaeologist 19780157023 Larry Abbot 1978 Office of the State Archaeologist 19780257665 Richard Slattery 1978 Office of the State Archaeologist 19840157291 LuAnn Hudson 1984 Office of the State Archaeologist 19840457004 Ruth Vondracek 1984 Office of the State Archaeologist 19850557027 LuAnn Hudson 1985 Office of the State Archaeologist 19900257004 Joe Artz 1990 Office of the State Archaeologist 20010933111 Lowell R. Blikre 2001 Bear Creek Archeology 20020233016 Lowell R. Blikre 2001 Bear Creek Archeology 20020233010 Lowell R. Blikre 2001 Bear Creek Archeology 20080633012 Joe B. Thompson 2008 Bear Creek Archeology

Three previously recorded archaeological sites (see Table 5) are located within one mile of the study area. Sites 13FT138 and 13FT139 were recorded during the survey for the proposed bicycle trail (Blikre 2001). Site 13FT138 is a precontact occupation. A Phase II investigation recommended no further work on the site. Site 13FT139 is a historic railroad-related site and was recommended not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Site 13FT164 is a historic farm seen on historic documents. It has not been field-verified.

Table 5. Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites within a One Mile of the Project Areas (OSA-

UI 2022).

Site No. Recorder Year Cultural

Affiliation Site Type Recommendation 13FT138 Lowell R. Blikre 2001 Prehistoric Open Habitation Not eligible 13FT139 Lowell R. Blikre 2001 Historic Railroad Not eligible 13FT164 Kayla Resnick 2009 Historic Farmstead (Archival Documentation) Not evaluated

PREVIOUS HISTORIC RESEARCH

Prior research by Wapsi Valley Archaeology at the Montauk Historic Site and State Preserve resulted in a comprehensive historic review of the development of the Montauk estate and the Larrabee family (Finn et al. 2022). The Larrabee estate lies in northern Fayette County, an area that was initially settled by Euro- Americans in the late 1840s. The Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nation occupied a portion of Fayette County in the early 1840s that extended into the neutral zone, a 40-mile tract of land that ran approximately 200 miles between the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers. Fort Atkinson was established in 1840 in nearby Winneshiek County to monitor the Ho-Chunk people and maintain peace between the Sac and Fox and Sioux people. The Ho-Chunk were forced by treaty to leave Wisconsin and settle in this narrow corridor in northeastern Iowa.

A mission and school were also established around this time to convert and assimilate the Ho-Chunk people (Western Historical Society 1878).

In 1846, when the State of Iowa was established, the Ho-Chunk were forced to relocate to southwestern Minnesota, and Fort Atkinson was disbanded in 1849 (Iowa Publishing Corp 2020; Haury-Artz and Collins 2020). In the meantime, Euro-American pioneers began to settle in the area. Early settlers in the area included Franklin Wilcox and his family and his brother Nathan Wilcox, followed by James Beatty and William Orrear around 1841. The county was organized and the first Sheriff was appointed in 1847, and the county’s first election was held in 1850 (Western Historical Society 1878).

The earliest settler in the area around Clermont was named Delaplaine, a man who constructed a cabin at the location of the town in 1848. The property was bought by the firm Carlton and Thompson in 1849, which hired C. D. Carlton and Charles Sawyer to build two log cabins, workshops, and other buildings for the construction of a sawmill. The mill was completed in 1850 or 1851, and a shop was opened in 1849 by Carlton, attracting other settlers to the area. By 1852, the community boasted a schoolhouse and a hotel (Western Historical Society 1878).

Carlton and Thompson laid out the town of Clermont in the early 1850s, but the town was not officially platted until 1855 when John Thompson bought his partner out. Thompson named the town Norway, but its residents were already using the name of Clermont; it was officially recorded as Clermont in 1859 after its residents insisted that the name be kept. The town was incorporated on August 16, 1875 (Western Historical Society 1878). John Thompson had constructed a brick flour mill in 1854. The building was built by Thompson’s crew, “who walked out with their wheel-barrows from McGregor, and manufactured the brick of which the mill is built” (Western Historical Society 1878:528).

The 1878 Fayette County history lists among the residents of Clermont Township Captain Gustavus A. Appelman, a sea captain who came to Clermont in 1854.

Appelman and his wife, Prudence Williams Appelman, came from Connecticut, and had seven children, including daughter Anna. Appelman served as County Supervisor, School Director, School Board President. It was said that he “sailed on every ocean on the globe; he has 370 acres of land, valued at $2,000” (Western Historical Society 1878:732).

In 1857, William Larrabee, at the age of 25, invested in John Thompson's flour milling operation in Clermont and, through hard work and industry, he eventually bought out his two partners. The mill, known as Brick City Mill, proved a worthy investment. Larrabee operated the business until 1874, the year Montauk was constructed and at a time when wheat crops had largely been replaced by corn in Iowa. Larrabee purchased new millstones from France, known as French burrs.

These are exceptional stones cut from dense quartz originating in the Marne Valley of northern France and are known to produce a whiter flour (Howell 2020).

Larrabee also patented a method for grain separation (Montauk Historical Site 2019). The mill became a central location for the region.

Four years later, in 1861 and at the age of 29, he married Anna Matilda Appleman, daughter of Clermont pioneer Captain A. G. Appelman. William and Anna had seven children together: Charles J. Larrabee (1862-1943), Augusta Larrabee (1864-1897), Julia Larrabee (1867-1937), Anna Larrabee (1869-1965), William Larrabee II (1871-1933), Frederic “Fritz” Larrabee (1873-1959), and Hellen Larrabee (1876-1919).

During the earliest years of their marriage, Anna and William Larrabee lived on the second floor of the store adjacent to the mill. After the birth of Charles and Augusta, the Larrabees constructed a new brick home two blocks from the mill.

Four more children were born at that house: Julia, Anna, William Jr., and Frederic (Bennett 2014). However, Anna desired a house on a hill that would be out of the swampy valley and more healthful for their young family. Larrabee purchased acreage to construct a new house from his father-in-law, who resided on land immediately across the road (Andreas 1875; Figure 12). Larrabee later reduced the size of his land holdings around Montauk to the 47.25 acres that held the mansion, associated grounds, and working farm.

Montauk was named by Anna Matilda after a lighthouse in Long Island that signaled home to her father the sea captain (Bennett 2014). The house was designed by Edward Townsend Mix, a renowned Milwaukee architect who had designed many buildings in that city (Wisconsin Historical Society 2020). Mix was originally from New Haven, Connecticut, his father a captain like Larrabee’s and Anna’s were (Szczesny-Adams 2007). Mix had designed the Villa Louis mansion in Prairie du Chien, an Italianate mansion constructed in 1871 of local brick, also for a wealthy family.

Although William Larrabee only completed eighth grade, never graduating from high school, he was self-taught and a lover of the arts and of learning. Larrabee was known as a prolific reader. He travelled to Europe, where he encountered and developed an appreciation for the arts, including music, literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Although the Montauk mansion was spacious and elegant, Larrabee had simple tastes and admonished the architect to lean towards restraint (Bennett 2014).

Montauk was designed in the Italianate style to stand at the top of a hill overlooking the town of Clermont. The stone for the house came from the William’s quarry, and the brick was locally made in Clermont. The residence was constructed in 1874.

The landscape around the mansion was carefully planned to incorporate a fully functional 48-acre farm. The Montauk residence was flanked by agricultural fields and included an orchard, grape arbor, vegetable garden, and flower gardens, and had cattle, chickens, turkeys, and even a peacock. Over 100,000 trees were planted on the grounds. Other buildings also stood on the property; some of them, such as the barn, carriage house, and caretaker’s house, predated the construction of the mansion, and a few, like the workshop and woodshop, which also date to 1874, were likely built to stage the construction of the mansion.

A review of relevant historic nineteenth and early twentieth century plat maps was completed for this survey. No structures appear on the General Land Office survey map (GLO 1849). The Andreas atlas depicts a single structure west of the road, interpreted to be the residence of William Larrabee, which had been constructed the previous year in 1874 (Andreas 1875; see Figure 12). In 1879, the residence of “W Larrabee” is shown (Warner and Foote 1879), and again in 1896 (Union Publishing 1896). As of 1930, the property shows a plot designated for “W.m. Larrabee, Jr.” and “Anna M Larrabee” (Hixson 1930). Historic photographs corroborate the presence of the Larrabees.

Fieldwork Results

Phase I intensive survey fieldwork occurred between August 16 and August 18, 2022 (Figure 13). Completed fieldwork involved both pedestrian survey and subsurface testing in the defined project areas, which lie within the mapped boundaries of Site 123FT152. A pedestrian survey was undertaken across the entire project area. Ground surface visibility was zero percent. A minor topographic dip in the North Outbuilding Yard suggests disturbances a meter or two north of the outbuildings, perhaps relating to the cistern or other subterranean systems. No artifacts, features, or topographic anomalies indicative of precontact activities were observed during the pedestrian survey of the area.

Subsurface tests were placed at 10-meter intervals in the North Outbuilding Yard, East Yard, and Utility Corridor. In total, 26 auger tests were excavated through all project area segments (for soil profiles, see Table 10 at the end of this report and Figure 14).

SITE 13FT152

Site Type/Function

Historic farm/residence

Cultural Affiliation

Historic Euro-American

Figures

Figures 13 through 22

Dimensions and Area

151 meter by 121 meters (18,271 square meters)

Legal Location

Castalia, IA (1981) quadrangle; SE 1/4, SE 1/4 of Section 27, T95N, R07W, Clermont Township, Fayette County, Iowa

Directions From the town of Clermont, travel northeast along US Highway 18 for about half a mile. Turn left into the driveway at the sign for the Montauk Historic Site. The address is 26223 Harding Road.

Water Source

The Turkey River lies approximately 1,000 feet (304 meters) west of the site area.

Landform

Ridge top, summit

Mapped NRCS Soil Types

Downs silt loam (162B), 2 to 5 percent slopes Rock outcrop-Nordness complex (478G), 25 to 60 percent slopes Exette silt loam (763D2), 9 to 14 percent slopes

Ground Cover

Grass lawn with 0 to 25 percent ground surface visibility

Testing Methods

Testing methods included systematic pedestrian survey and excavation of a total of 26 auger tests at 10-meter (32.8-foot) intervals. Ten tests were positive in the North Outbuilding Yard, and 10 were positive in the East Yard area.

Stratigraphy

North Outbuilding Yard The North Outbuilding Yard project area segment is a grassy field north of the outhouses and west of the modern driveway running to the mansion. Phase I testing consisted of two transects of subsurface tests placed across the area from east to west. Wapsi Valley Archaeology completed a total of 13 subsurface tests. Of the 13 tests, 10 were positive for historic period artifacts.

A variety of artifacts were recovered including various metal objects, glass shards, faunal elements, ceramic sherds, masonry objects, and miscellaneous pieces.

Representative Soil Profile: T-11.

Soil Horizon

Depth

(cm) Description

Fill 1 0-38 Very dark brown (10YR 2/2) silt loam with subangular structure and gradual boundary.

Fill 2 38-55 Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam with subangular blocky structure with gradual boundary.

AB 55-75 Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam mottled with light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) silty clay loam with subangular blocky structure and gradual boundary.

B 75-80 Light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) silty clay loam.

The soil profile of T-11 shows that two fill layers were uncovered overlying an AB horizon and B horizon, respectively. Fill 1 consisted of a very dark brown silt loam from depths of 0 to 38 centimeters. Fill 2 was a very dark grayish brown silt loam stretching from 38 to 55 centimeters. The AB horizon consisted of a very dark grayish brown silt loam mottled with a light yellowish brown silty clay loam present from 55 to 75 centimeters. The B horizon was a light yellowish brown silt clay loam from 75 to 80 centimeters.

The stratigraphic sequence of two fill layers overlying somewhat intact soils correlates with the three stratigraphic units—Pre-Montauk (1855 to 1874), Montauk 1 (1874 to ca. 1900), and Montauk 2 (ca. 1900 to Modern)— identified in other areas of the site excavated during Phase II and Phase III work (Finn et al. 2022; Moe et al. 2020).

East Yard The East Yard project area segment is a grassy field immediately straddling the eastern face of the Montauk house and the curved, gravel driveway, which surrounds the house. Wapsi Valley Archaeology excavated a total of 10 subsurface tests in this area, all of which were positive for historic period cultural materials. Though all tests were positive, 75 of the 108 recorded artifacts were fragments of limestone and brick, most of which were embedded in a layer of fill overlying the Ab horizon (see soil profile of Auger Test T-14 below). It is likely that the original A horizon was destroyed during construction of the mansion. A shallow A horizon, grading into an AB horizon and B horizon, is indicative of the mapped soil sequence of the area, which consists of Downs silt loam (162B, see Figure 3).

Representative Soil Profile: T-14.

Depth

(cm) Description

Fill 1 0-27 Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silty clay loam.

Fill 2 27-33 Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt clay loam. Abrupt boundary. Brick, mortar, and limestone fragments AB 33-45 Dark brown (10YR 3/3) silty clay loam mottled with dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) silty clay loam with gradual boundary.

B1 45-60 Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4) silty clay loam.

B2 60-73 Dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) silty clay loam.

Auger Test T-22, excavated slightly northwest of T-14, exhibited a soil profile consisting of two fill layers made up of a very dark grayish brown silt loam over a dark brown silt loam, overlying a shallow clay loam B horizon (see below). Minor pieces of brick were recovered at depths of 0 to 10 centimeters.

Representative Soil Profile: T-22.

Depth

(cm) Description

Fill 1 0-12 Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam.

Fill 2 12-27 Dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) with mottled (10YR3/2) silt loam.

B 27-56 Brown (10YR 4/3) clay loam.

Another soil profile, taken from Auger Test T-18 further north near the…