Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 5, 1994):
The Green River Shell Middens have been the focus of archeological research for the past 70 years; investigations of these sites and analysis of the cultural material from them has greatly contributed to the understanding of the Late Archaic Period (4000-1000 BC) in the Eastern United States. While there is variation between individual shell midden sites in the Green River area, they are characteristically located on the floodplain near a river or creek, have substantial midden accumulations of mussel shells and gastropods, and appear to have been most intensively occupied during the Late Archaic Period.

A new threat to this district is a 161kV transmission line proposed by East Kentucky Power Cooperative that seriously threatens the Deweese Shell Mound. The right of way required for the transmission line will increase erosion of the site during flooding and expose the site to looting and vandalism. There are also concerns with the Section 106 process, because the initial survey of historic properties in the area did not identify NHL and National Register sites along the transmission line route.