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Earth Search, Inc. conducted intensive archeological survey of approximately 370 acres of the Phase 1, 2, and 3 development areas of the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival and Research Center and Wilderness Park in 1991. Survey methodology consisted of screened 30 x 30 x 30 cm shovel tests excavated at 30 m intervals. Distance between transect lanes was 30 m. The only site encountered during survey was Beka Plantation (16OR90). Remains of the great house, quarters, and industrial complexes were all present and had undergone little disturbance since the site was abandoned in the early-twentieth century. Features included four brick-lined wells, a brick foundation for an outbuilding, a variety of brick footings and piers, and chimney bases. The sites of individual structures formerly located within the quarters complex could be delineated on the basis of surface concentrations of artifacts, concentrations of brick rubble, and their slight elevation over the surrounding terrain. In addition, the massive brick masonry sugar mill mount was preserved at the site of the former sugar house.
The boundaries of the great house and quarters complexes were defined using 30 x 30 cm screened shovel tests excavated to a depth of 50 cm at gridded 20 m intervals. The shovel tests were also used to program the placement of four 1 x 1 m units and one 1 x 2 m unit. Exposed features were defined and mapped. Finally, one house site, which appeared to have been occupied during the antebellum and postbellum periods, and a second house site, which appeared to have been occupied during the late-nineteenth/early-twentieth century, were shovel tested at gridded 5 m intervals. This permitted the comparison of refuse disposal patterns between the quarters, which was originally occupied by slaves, and probably later by day laborers, and what appeared to be the location of a tenant's dwelling. Interestingly, while "sheet midden" was found at the former house site, the latter was virtually free of refuse. It was suggested that refuse was disposed of in discrete areas at the presumed tenant's house site, which is the typical pattern on contemporary rural farmsteads in west-central Louisiana.
The computer program SURFER was utilized to generate "topographic maps" to elucidate artifact patterning based on material collected from the shovel tests. The ceramic data were particularly useful for delineating activity patterning. The distribution of antebellum ceramics enabled the dimensions of the antebellum quarters complex to be defined and distinguished from residential areas established on the plantation during the postbellum period.
Investigations at the site of the former sugar house focused on definition and detailed recordation of the still-extant masonry features. In addition to the sugar mill mount, a variety of piers, chain-wall foundations, and platforms were preserved. The mill mount was documented both by measured plans and by elevations of each side.
The site was found eligible for nomination for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. On the basis of ESI's recommendations, the Audubon Institute is avoiding impact to this significant site.
