Test Excavation and Evaluation of 45-FR-317, on the Middle Columbia River, Near Pasco, Washington.

An area adjacent to Sacajawea State Park on the mid-Columbia River near Pasco, Washington was examined to determine whether cultural resources were present. The nature of the landform and its position adjacent to an important Lewis and Clark campsite suggested that such resources might be present although previous reconnaissance parties in the vicinity had not reported a site. A total of twelve 1 x 2 m test excavation units were situated to cover as much of the area as possible and 121 10 cm levels were removed and screened through 3 mm mesh wire. In addition, intensive collections were made along 200 m of the beach adjacent to the project area. This project resulted in the discovery and recording of a prehistoric site, 45-FR-317. Cultural materials were extremely sparse, with only 20 items recovered from the test excavation. An additional 201 prehistoric lithic items were recovered from the beach. Historic items were also recovered both from the test excavations and from the beach. Temporal indicators suggest a very sporadic prehistoric occupation spanning the period from some 500 BP to the onset of the historic period historic artifacts indicate another occupation by Euroamericans in the vicinity dating 1900-1930.