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Archaeological investigation of 23Le41 was conducted using a method called block excavation. Block excavation consists of the excavation of contiguous squares (1 m x 1 m in size). Each unit is removed in a series of 10 cm thick levels. By conducting excavations in this manner, archaeologists are able to better determine the relationship of the various artifacts that are recovered, how long ago the site was occupied, the number of times that the site was occupied, and determine how the site was used in the past.

Preliminary analysis of the recovered materials and the distribution of artifacts suggest the site probably served as a campsite. The site was likely used by a small group of people for only a short period of time. Recovered stone tools indicate that the site was used during the Late Archaic period (3000 BC and 1000 BC).

Three main activity areas are indicated at the site, probably the result of three main occupations. All three of these occupations were likely similar in nature. Activities at the site probably included stone tool manufacture and the maintenance or sharpening of previously manufactured stone tools. These tools included hafted bifaces (knives or projectile points) and large bifacial cores. The latter were used for the production of flakes to be used as tools or blanks for producing other tools.

Sites like 23Le41 are particularly of interest to archaeologists because fine details left behind by the activities of prehistoric peoples have not been cluttered or confused by layers upon layers of materials left by other individuals visiting the location at later times.

Brochure on the archaeological investigations on the Avenue of the Saints project.