North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Ouachita River Shipwrecks, AR;
Reference: Pearson, C.E., and A.R. Saltus (1993). Underwater Archaeology on the Ouachita River, Arkansas: The Search for the Chieftan, Haydee, and Homer. Coastal Environments, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Pearson, C.E., A.R. Saltus, and J.P. Whelan. (1987). Magnetometer Survey of Five Reported Shipwreck Locations in the Calion Pool, Ouachita River, Arkansas. Coastal Environments, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
In May of 1986 a remote sensing magnetometer survey was conducted at five reported nineteenth century shipwreck locations on the Ouachita River in Arkansas. The survey represents the first phase in the assessment of these shipwrecks and was conducted in partial compliance of a Memorandum of Agreement drawn up between the Vicksburg District, Corps of Engineers, the Arkansas State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The survey involved magnetometer survey and historical research only, no diving or other physical verification of recorded magnetic anomalies was required. Historical research suggests that two of the steamboats, the Jessie and the Native, had been raised or refloated soon after their sinking. No magnetic signatures interpreted as possible vessel remains were recorded in the area where the Jessie reportedly sank. Modern metallic debris obscured the magnetic signature in the area where the Native was reportedly lost. Magnetic anomaly signatures of a size and intensity commensurate with shipwreck remains were recorded in the areas where the steamboats Chieftain, Haydee and Homer were lost. Only one of these magnetic anomaly sources was identified in the field. These consisted of possible wooden vessel remains in the river at Camden, Arkansas, in the area where the Homer was scuttled in 1864. Positive identification of these remains was not made. Verification of these remains and the sources for the magnetic anomalies in the Chieftain and Haydee areas is recommended.