Our Approach
Straughan completed archaeological investigations, prehistoric and historic cultural contexts, and histories of nine historic resources in support of a MARC Maintenance Facility proposed along the Northeast Rail Corridor north of Perryville, Maryland on agricultural property associated with the National Register-listed Woodlands Estate and its historic farm operations. The facility would also be adjacent to three early 20th century truss bridges constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Straughan conducted extensive archival research and interviewed the owner of the Woodlands Estate, whose family has owned the property since the early nineteenth century and maintains a private library that documents farm operations. Primary historical documents including an insurance appraisal and associated map of farm buildings, and journals of farm operations were available. Researchers were able to document significant historic events and identify foundations found in the field during the archeological investigations. Straughan prepared the cultural context portions of the Phase I/II archeological investigation report that was completed for the project and provided archaeological field assistance.
