Archaeological Prospection of the Hatfield Site, a Monongahela Tradition Village in Washingon County, Pennsylvania

Abstract

An archaeological prospection survey was undertaken at the Hatfield site in November 2011. In total, 28 subsurface anomalies were identified through magnetic susceptibility, magnetic gradient, and ground-penetrating radar methods. Several of the anomalies resulted from modern activities at the site, including agricultural plowing and previous archaeological excavations. However, a number possibly represent prehistoric cultural remains pertaining to a Monongahela tradition component at the Hatfield site, including two pit features, six dwellings, and a house ring zone. The size and arrangement of dwellings as well as the spatial layout of the house ring is consistent with most known Monongahela tradition villages. If the anomalies indeed represent a section of a village, it would encompass an estimated area of 0.69 to 0.92 ha. In addition, a composite anomaly to the south of the Hatfield site may represent a second village covering an area of 0.1 ha.