Phase II Archaeological Evaluation of the Flying Snake Site (8BY02952), Tyndall Air Force Base, Bay County, Florida

Abstract

In February 2021, Wood Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (Wood) completed an archaeological site recording and evaluation on one historic site located within Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB), Bay County, Florida. This site, located in the northwestern portion of the base along Sabre Drive, was first identified by Tyndall AFB Cultural Resource Management (CRM) staff by the identification of structure remains visible from the road. While this area was walked to determine approximate site extent, the site was not fully investigated nor was it recorded with the Florida Master Site File (FMSF) at that time. Wood’s investigations of the site focused on refining the site boundary and defining site type and age, obtaining a state site number, and assessing the site significance for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility. A total of 105 RSTs (14.7 m3) and four test units (1.15 m3) were excavated as part of this task order and resulted in the identification of four surface features (Features 1-4), one subsurface feature (Feature 5), one artifact concentration area (AC 1), and 621 artifacts: 619 historic and two prehistoric. Feature 1 represented structure foundation remains, while Feature 5 was a drainage pipe associated with one of these structures. Features 2 and 3 were debris deposits attributed to structure demolition, likely after Tyndall AFB acquired the land. Feature 4 was a pile of stucco-like material, likely residue from renovation activities on the structures. Artifacts associated with AC 1 suggest an area used for trash disposal during a late nineteenth to early- to mid-twentieth century occupation. Wood recommends site 8BY02952 be considered eligible for listing on the NRHP under Criterion D; if the site cannot be avoided, further work is recommended. The prehistoric component consists of just two artifacts of an indeterminate time period and, overall, the component is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP. The historic component of the site, however, presents intact surface and subsurface features and a moderate density of materials attributed to a late nineteenth- to early to mid- twentieth-century occupation. Archival research indicates the site was occupied by members of the Landgraf family from its establishment up through acquisition of the land by the government in 1941. While deed research can trace ownership only to Anton Landgraf in 1915, his father Valentine Landgraf was established in the area by 1886, corresponding with early settlement and establishment of the nearby historic Beacon Beach (Beacon Heights) community. Therefore, site 8BY02952 may provide a unique opportunity to examine this occupation in association with the historic community. Furthermore, the Langraf family occupied the site over three generations from the late nineteenth century to the Tyndall acquisition, spanning the transition from an early agricultural community to a small community of the Rural Expansion Period and the initiation of World War II. Therefore, this site presents an opportunity to examine changes in lifeway patterns attributed to new technology as it became available, such as new structure improvement techniques, as well as the use of gas and electricity inside a household. Further work would also address how the material culture reflects the family’s social context, taking into account their material wealth, perceived social status within the community, and their everyday activities.