Cooper Lake, located at and below the confluence of the principal upper drainage tributaries of the South Sulphur River contains cultural resources relating to the full spectrum of human use of this region of northeast Texas. Archaeological investigations have been performed in this area for the last 35 years. This report presents the results of a multidisciplinary investigation of a 4700 acre embankment and borrow pit area at Cooper Lake. Geophysical and geomorphological studies were undertaken to understand buried and relief features of the landscape, and the potential human use or occupation of these geomorphic features. Ethnohistorical interviews and archival and historical researches were performed to completely document the written information relating to previously occupied properties of the project area. Archaeological studies include archaeobotanical, zooarchaeological, osteological, malacological, and radiocarbon analyses; studies of lithic, ceramic, and other tool technologies; intra- and intersite spatial analyses; and, where possible, reconstruction of site and study area chronology, subsistence, and seasonality and duration of occupation.

This report presents the results of cultural resources survey and preliminary evaluation conducted for a 5,273 ha (13,030 acre) portion of the Cooper Lake project area. All loci selected for survey were elevated higher than 132.6 m (435 ft) above mean sea level. The survey work was conducted from July to December 1989. Prehistoric and historic archaeological sites were assessed, and all sites greater than 50 years old were provided state site registration numbers. Machine-assisted deep testing also was conducted at selected localities within the project area to search for deeply buried sites, interpret the geomorphology of those areas, and aid description of site stratigraphy and factors influencing site formation. The survey's findings are reported, and all identified archaeological sites and their associated material culture are described in detail. National Register recommendations of showing the locations of clearly eligible, clearly not eligible, and further work are made for each site. A master map showing the locations of all sites and deep testing loci, a curation inventory, site survey forms, and a summary of previously surveyed portions of the parks have been submitted separately to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District.