Identification Survey for Archaeological Resources Associated with the Lighter-Than-Air Historic District, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ

Abstract

The U.S. Air Force, contracted Raymond-Pond Full Service Solutions and its subcontractors, Oneida ESC Group LGS Environmental Solutions and Bigman Geophysical LLC, to complete a Phase I identification-level archaeological geophysical survey of an approximately one-acre (0.41 hectares) area of potential effects (APE) for the proposed construction of Shenandoah Road within Landing Mat #1 in the Lighter-Than-Air Historic District at JB MDL, Manchester Township, Ocean County. This study was completed in accordance with Section 106 of NHPA and NJHPO guidelines for archaeological survey. Completed on July 29 and 30, 2025, field investigations included pedestrian survey, multichannel Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and Electro-Magnetic Induction (EMI) prospection of the APE. Obstructions blocked access to approximately 0.30 acres of the APE. The geophysical investigation identified several potential features of interest: probable utilities, anomalies of archaeological interest, railway tracks, and a buried roadway. The survey interpreted these features as likely to provide additional information on the eligible LTA HD and the World War I (WWI)-era Camp Kendrick. Some identified features were tentatively identified as known features associated with the LTA period, including railway tracks which appear to correspond to those used in conjunction with operations in and around Hangar No. 1. The anomalies of archaeological interest may provide definitive evidence of the location and layout of Camp Kendrick. The survey registered the identified geophysical anomalies as 28OC356 and recommended avoidance of the archaeological resource through project redesign. They survey recommended additional archaeological research to evaluate 28OC356 for NRHP eligibility if future development is proposed for the APE.