Abstract

Assessment of linear corridors can provide researchers with new perspectives and opportunities, especially if the approach includes the integration of multi-disciplinary data. This was found to be the case during an Environmental Impact Assessment of a 125 km-long Trans-Canada Highway corridor through southern New Brunswick. Research and collation of cultural and bio-physical data have resulted in a new interpretation of the association between several archaeological sites and the Washademoak-Petitcodiac canoe route. This paper presents data that point to nearly 4,000 years of route utilization. Cow Point, at the western end of Grand Lake area, is not an anomalous burial site along a pre-contact backwater. The paper presents the hypothesis that Cow Point is at a highly productive hub or confluence of pre-contact travel routes. Data supporting that contention are provided.