Caddoan Saltmakers in the Ouachita Valley: The Hardman Site (Arkansas Archeological Survey Research Report)

Nearly 1000 features were uncovered at this site: postmold outlines of structures, an encircling compound fence and other facilities, pits, hearths, and human burials. Occupants of the site evaporated salt from Saline Bayou water, grew maize and other crops, and used a wide array of wild resources, including large amounts of pine timber from the neighboring uplands. Skeletal remains show evidence of a previously unknown disease that may be related to saltmaking, but also show that the Hardman inhabitants had better nutrition and general health than other nearby protohistoric populations.