Phase II Testing at the Gibbons Site (1Au268)

The University of Alabama, Office of Archaeological Research (OAR) conducted archaeological testing at the Gibbons site (1Au268) located along Autauga Creek near Prattville, Alabama. The Gibbons site is located on the levee edge above the confluence of Autauga Creek and an unnamed stream. The site is a large multicomponent site that at least measures 400 m northwest-southeast and 200 m east-west. The Woodland period is well represented at the site, primarily containing materials related to the Calloway (A.D. 175 to 600) and Autauga (A.D. 800 to 1100) phases. Test excavations at the Gibbons site have produced significant information relating to the Calloway and Autauga phases. Results of testing suggest that primary occupation of the site occurred during the later half of the Calloway phase (Maxwell subphase) and the early part of the Autauga phase (Bear Creek subphase).

Some of the excavated artifact types are indicative of a site that was occupied either permanently or semi-permanently during the Calloway and Autauga phases. The Gibbons site would be an excellent site to be further tested by those interested in the Calloway and Autauga phases of the Woodland period. The overall condition of the site is very good. Given the presence of well-stratified and well-preserved archaeological deposits, the Gibbons site has demonstrated the potential for contributing to regional research problems concerning prehistoric lifeways in the East Central Alabama region.

Johnson, Hunter B.
1998 ArchaeologicalTest Excavations at the Gibbons Site: A Woodland Period Site on Autauga Creek, Autauga County, Alabama.