The site was explored in 1960 by Henry Wright, whose work revealed six cultural layers representing three phases of late prehistoric occupation, c. 1000-1500. It represents data for the terminal Woodland to the terminal Prehistoric periods in the Upper Potomac River Valley. Significant evidence exists that the site was a village of the Monongahela culture.[2]
The site was purchased from John Barton in 2002 by the Archaeological Conservancy.[3]
Archaic period
This large, multi-component site also features some Archaic period occupations dating to the beginning of the Holocene. The human settlement here appears to have been continuous for at least 12,000 years.[4][5]
The early lithic assemblage is represented by the finds of debitage as well as cores, and tools surrounding a hearth. Bifaces, scrapers, and flake tools were discovered. Locally available Shriver chert was used for manufacturing these tools.[6]
The North Branch of the Potomac River seems to contain numerous other prehistoric settlements similar to Barton. In particular, the Black Oak area, 9 km south of Barton, where very little work has been done as yet, seems promising. Similar cultural deposits may be found there.[7]
The Flint Run Archeological District, and in particular the Lockhart site (44WR20) is another similar location. This is a quarry-related site where jasper was processed.
^"Maryland Historical Trust". National Register of Historic Places: Shawnee Old Fields Village Archeological Site. Maryland Historical Trust. October 5, 2008.
