Alabama State Site File

OAR maintains Alabama's official archaeological site file. Since its inception in July 1931 by David L. DeJarnette, the Alabama State Site File (ASSF), as it is now called, has been managed by research archaeologists at The University of Alabama. Therefore, the site file has always been seen as a research tool, as well as a device for cultural resource management. Both functions are considered essential: the file is structured to provide the data necessary for cultural resource management, and the very reason we manage archaeological resources is for their research value.

The ASSF was transferred to the management of OAR in 1976 when DeJarnette retired. The file was encoded into a computer database (dBase) in 1988. Several considerations went into the 1988 creation of the present site file database, which has been periodically updated as needed. Our foremost concern, however, was to create a true database. The ability to conduct somewhat sophisticated queries and analysis was seen as crucial. For example, if someone wants to know the number of Late Archaic, Little Bear Creek sites recorded in the Tennessee Valley, a query could be run and the answer would pop up in minutes. A list of those sites could then be printed. In short, the ASSF is a very effective research tool.

The scope of the ASSF is broad and, more or less, geographical. The most significant data about a site is location, in both legal and environmental terms. Thus, the database records: locational coordinates; topographic setting, physiographic district, water source type, distance and direction; drainage basin; ground cover; and soil type and texture. The second set of data concerns significant site characteristics, i.e. preservation, midden, mounds, glyphs, and human remains. Another set of data deals with components presents. The file also includes fields for NRHP status, date recorded, and recorder, along with text fields for site description, comments, and additional component information.

OAR is constantly working to make the ASSF a more effective tool. From a logistical perspective, locational data for each site must be verified for accuracy. If the locational information is wrong or missing, then queries are not so reliable. Verification of data has turned into a full-time endeavor. Funding for site file verification is supported by matching grants from the Alabama Historical Commission. From a practical perspective, we are currently transferring the site forms from manila folders and file drawers into binders to be shelved. We think this makes the forms easier to access by visitors. Finally, we are making technological advances. We have begun to interface with Geographic Information System software. This allows us to produce distribution maps of site file queries. Also, we are working to get the ASSF onto the World Wide Web. Access to the site file will be limited, of course. IBM, Inc., who is generously donating personnel and equipment to the project, is currently writing a computer program. We hope to be up and running by the end of the year.

If you would like to record an archaeological site onto the ASSF, you are required to submit a site file form. Copies of forms are unacceptable, so be sure to fill out one of our original forms. We generally have a quick turn around time for returning site numbers. Please let us know if you are in a crunch; however, if you submit a bulk of site forms, you need to allow a reasonable timeframe for receiving the numbers.

To view examples of GIS distribution maps, click here.

If you would like to contact Eugene M. Futato, ASSF Coordinator, please call 205-371-2266 or email efutato@bama.ua.edu