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Archaeological Investigations 2001
Bowen's Prairie Historic Archaeological District
Jones County, Iowa
- - 13JN203 Prairie Springs Site - -
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Intro |
District |
Settlement |
Road |
13JN152 |
13JN168 |
13JN169 |
13JN203 | 13JN196 |
Mystery |
Artifacts |
Celebrities |
Q&A |
References |
Links
General Contracts
Program | OSA
Research
| Two other community centers besides the village of
Bowen's Prairie were established on Bowen's Prairie in the 1850s.
Richland was located south of the Military Road and east of the
Bowen's Prairie townsite. Prairie Springs is known only from a single
deed and apparently consisted of a series of small lots situated
south and west of the Bowen's Prairie townsite. Archaeological site
13JN203 is within the village of Prairie Springs and appears to
represent one of at least six structures shown on an 1867 atlas.
The site area was sold as a small lot in 1855 for $70. Ten years
later, it sold as part of |
Top of well |
| a slightly larger property for $354 and a year later was valued
at $500. The current landowner reports that as many as four limestone
structures once stood at this location. The abundance of structures
coupled with evidence of the property's increasing value, hints
at the presence of a rural industry or business. Archaeological
investigation appears to show otherwise. Excavation disclosed the
intact, limestone foundation wall of a rectangular structure. Other
features uncovered include a privy, limestone-lined well, collapsed
wall, wooden drainage tile, and small refuse pits. While the function
of the main structure is not known, the artifacts and crude limestone
mortar hint at its identity as a barn rather than a dwelling or
commercial building. |
Two other community centers besides the village of Bowen's Prairie
were established on Bowen's Prairie in the 1850s. Richland was located
south of the Military Road and east of the Bowen's Prairie townsite.
Prairie Springs is known only from a single deed and apparently consisted
of a series of small lots situated south and west of the Bowen's Prairie
townsite. Archaeological site 13JN203 is within the village of Prairie
Springs and appears to represent one of at least six structures shown
on an 1867 atlas. The site area was sold as a small lot in 1855 for
$70. Ten years later, it sold as part of a slightly larger property
for $354 and a year later was valued at $500. The current landowner
reports that as many as four limestone structures once stood at this
location. The abundance of structures coupled with evidence of the property's
increasing value, hints at the presence of a rural industry or business.
Archaeological investigation appears to show otherwise. Excavation disclosed
the intact, limestone foundation wall of a rectangular structure. Other
features uncovered include a privy, limestone-lined well, collapsed
wall, wooden drainage tile, and small refuse pits. While the function
of the main structure is not known, the artifacts and crude limestone
mortar hint at its identity as a barn rather than a dwelling or commercial
building.
Limestone well |
Barn |
Barn
Intro |
District |
Settlement |
Road |
13JN152 |
13JN168 |
13JN169 |
13JN203 | 13JN196 |
Mystery |
Artifacts |
Celebrities |
Q&A |
References |
Links
General Contracts
Program | OSA
Research
Text by Lynn M. Alex; photos by General Contracts Program.
Updated by Mary De La Garza, August 2007.
Designed by Tricia R. Bender
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