Other History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons^™

The Caddoan Oak Hill Village Site, J. Brett Cruse, Timothy K. Perttula

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Rarely do prehistoric archeologists in North America have the opportunity to completely excavate and study an entire Native American community or village. To be able to expose a Native American village in its entirety provides a unique, and unprecedented, view of the past community and social arrangements that existed among Native American societies before contact with Europeans.

Recently, in northeast Texas, the Oak Hill Village site (41RK214), a large village occupied by prehistoric horticultural-agricultural Caddo peoples between about A.O. 1050 and 1450, was fully uncovered under the direction of J. Brett Cruse (then of Espey, Huston & Associates, Inc., Austin, …

Book Review: Archeology In The Eastern Planning Region, Texas: A Planning Document, Robert L. Brooks

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

With the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966 and ensuing regulatory guidelines, a mandate for the development of "The State Historic Preservation Plan" was clearly established. During the late 1960s and the 1970s, because of limited funding and the absence of information on the structure of these plans, few states had formulated plans or if they had state plans, they were of an extremely general nature. In the 1980s, principally through funding initiatives on the part of the National Park Service and through the efforts of NPS preservation planners such as John Knoerl, many states began their …

"Historical Processes And The Political Organization Of The Hasinai Caddo Indians": A Reply, Nancy Adele, Timothy K. Perttula

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In a recent volume of the Caddoan Archeology Newsletter, Daniel Hickerson argues that Apache aggression across the Southern Plains, Apache trade in horses and other European goods, and European-introduced diseases dramatically affected Caddo an populations by encouraging their migration south to the upper Neches/Angelina river basins area traditionally occupied by one segment of the Caddo, the Hasinai groups. In his opinion, the Hasinai confederacy was a nascent chiefdom that developed as a direct result of this mid to late-seventeenth century southern migration. As has been pointed out by Caddoan ethnographers, ethnohistorians, and archeologists for 50 years or more, the Caddo …

The Arkansas River Valley: A New Paradigm, Revisionist Perspectives And The Archaeological Record, Robert L. Brooks

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Recent articles by Schambach have proposed a new paradigm for the late prehistoric period in the Arkansas River Valley. These arguments challenge traditional and long held views on the subsistence economy, architecture, material culture, biological character, and trade relationships of the prehistoric populations of the Arkansas River Valley, and the middle portion of the Red River (the Sanders phase area). My intention in this paper is to examine Schambach's arguments based on a comprehensive review of the archaeological record and by also drawing upon explanatory models of cultural and economic behavior. For the most part, my comments pertain to the …

Of Hearths And Houses, Tom Middlebrook, Ryan Middlebrook

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During the 1993 East Texas Archeological Field School conducted at the Tyson site (41SY92) in western Shelby County, the junior author had an opportunity to participate in the excavation of a Caddoan hearth. The work was directed by Linda Lindsay, a graduate student in Anthropology at Southern Methodist University. This paper describes our findings and a few features of hearths and houses.

One goal of the 1993 Field School was to explore the area around Feature 3 looking for evidence of a house. This was accomplished by opening a 6 meter by 6 meter unit referred to as Block 1. …

Continuing The Discussion Of The Spiroans And Their Entrepots: A Reply To Brooks's Critique Of My New Paradigm/Or The Archeology Of The Arkansas Valley, Frank Schambach

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Although Brooks seems to agree with me that the archeology of the Arkansas Valley requires a new paradigm, he clearly believes that mine -- which he apparently considers a poorly founded Binfordian screed written primarily for its shock value -- is not the one. Where, according to Brooks, have I gone wrong in my work on the archeology of the Arkansas Valley? Which of my generalizations does he consider so poorly grounded empirically as to suggest, as he insinuates, professionally and perhaps even ethically questionable work, and in what ways does he consider them deficient?

An Archaeological Assessment Of The Alazan Acequia (41bx620) In The Five Points Area Of San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, David L. Nickels, I. Waynne Cox

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In May 1996, while tunneling for a sewer line at the intersection of Cornell Street and Fredericksburg Road north of downtown San Antonio, contractors with the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) encountered late-nineteenth-century Alazan Acequia from 7-14ft below the modern surface. The Center for Archaeological Research entered into a contract with SARA to document the architecture and location of the acequia. The 1876 irrigation ditch, designated site 41BX620, was documented by photographs and measured drawings. A plan map of the location was drawn, and an artist's conception of the architecture involved was produced from photographs, drawings, and archaeologists' descriptions.

Archaic Land Use Of Upper Leon Creek Terraces: Archaeological Testing In Northern Bexar County, Texas, Cynthia L. Tennis

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During a three-week period in March 1995, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) conducted the second phase of archaeological work at 4lBX47 under contract with PapeDawson Engineers. This phase of intensive testing was designed to assess the significance of the Early and Middle Archaic deposits identified during the 1994 CAR survey of the 147-acre project area (Tennis and Hard 1995). These investigations were performed to further comply with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit requirements.

Fieldwork consisted of fourteen 1-x-1-m test units, 59 Gradall trenches, and additional geomorphological investigations. Eight-four burned-rock …

Excavation Of The San Pedro Acequia On The Grounds Of The San Antonio Housing Authority, David L. Nickels, I. Waynne Cox, Connie Gibson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In July and August 1994, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) of the University of Texas at San Antonio conducted excavations to determine the location and construction methods of the San Pedro Acequia (41BX337) on the grounds of the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) in southern San Antonio, Texas. CAR was contracted by SAHA to conduct the excavations prior to construction which could impact the acequia. Testing of the site was completed in October 1994.

As a result of shovel testing, Gradall and backhoe operations, and hand excavations of small units, CAR identified the acequia and exposed it for mapping …

Archaeological Survey Of Laughlin Air Force Base, Val Verde County, Texas, Cynthia L. Tennis, Marcie Renner, Robert J. Hard

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During the spring of 1994, the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted a 100-percent pedestrian survey of Laughlin Air Force Base and the Air Force Recreation Area and Marina in Val Verde County, Texas. In addition to the survey, limited paleontological and geomorphological evaluations were made.

One historic site, eight prehistoric sites, and one large site with both prehistoric and historic components were recorded. Additionally, three pre viously recorded sites (De Vore 1993) were revisited. Diagnostic projectile points representing Late Paleoindian through Late Prehistoric occupations were recovered from five of the prehistoric sites. …

The Alamo Restoration And Conservation Project: Excavations At The South Transept, Barbara A. Meissner

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In January 1995, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, as custodians of the Alamo Shrine for the state of Texas, contracted with the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio to excavate and/or monitor excavation of approximately 29 square meters outside and 11 square meters inside the south wall of the south transept of the Alamo church. The excavations were made necessary by a plan to insert metal plates into the walls of the Alamo near the foundation, to prevent further damage being caused by groundwater in the lower part of the walls of …

Archeological Testing At Pflugerville Bottling Works, Travis County, Texas, John W. Clark Jr.

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Archival research and archeological test excavations in connection with proposed development of Dessau Road in north Travis County revealed the presence of the Pflugerville Bottling Works near the north end of the project. The plant was established in 1914 and moved to Austin in 1927. Archeological excavations exposed a midden, paved area and filled brick cistern but did not expose evidence of the building. Because of the lack of an associated building, those parts of the site within the proposed right-of-way are not considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Final Report Of Test Excavations At Site 41pc476 Along S.H. 349 In Pecos County, Texas, Barbara J. Hickman

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The present report outlines all investigations at site 41PC476 from June 26-30, 1996. It also details the methods used and the results obtained during test excavation of the site. A brief analysis of the cultural materials identified at the site is included. Eroded burned rock concentrations are exposed on the surface of site 4 1PC476, and fire-cracked rock was found below the ground surface as well. Although a few lithic artifacts were found in test excavations, no ethnobotanical remains were identified. All diagnostic artifacts were recovered from the surface. The artifactual evidence indicates an Archaic period occupation with lithic activities …

Archeological Investigations Of The Caddo Lake Scholars Program At Caddo Lake State Park, Harrison County, Texas, 1993-1995, Bob D. Skiles, Timothy K. Perttula, Bo Nelson, Mike Turner

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Archeological investigations between 1993-1995 at Caddo State Park, reported herein, represent the initial efforts of the Caddo Lake Institute's archeology team to conduct an education/training program, as well as to begin the process of identifying important archeological and historical resources in the Caddo Lake Basin. The archeology team will undertake several archeological projects in 1995-1996 in the Caddo Lake bioregion, particularly in the RAMSAR Treaty lands (Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area) and on adjoining tracts of private land. Students and mentors from the consortium of Caddo Lake Scholars Program universities and schools are invited to participate in our archeological efforts, …

Collected Papers On Caddoan Archaeology In The Upper Sabine River Basin, Northeastern Texas, Timothy K. Perttula

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

This Special Publication of the Friends of Northeast Texas Archaeology presents a series of papers written and published between 1983-1994 on various aspects of the archaeology of the Upper Sabine River basin in Northeast Texas (Figure 1). Their particular focus is on the lifeways and material culture of the Caddoan peoples who permanently settled in the basin between about A.D. 700-800 (if not earlier) and the mid- 1700s.

This part of Northeast Texas has a highly significant and diverse archaeological record, one that has intrigued professional and a vocational archaeologists alike for at least 75 years (e.g., Pearce 1920; Johnson …

Evidence Of Resource Procurement And Manufacturing Techniques In Caddoan Ceramic Assemblages From The Sabine, Cypress, And Sulphur River Drainage Basins, Rusk And Titus Counties, Texas, Kathryn Reese-Taylor

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Texas Utilities Services and Espey, Huston & Associates, Inc. have conducted ongoing archaeological investigations of cultural resources in Northeast Texas for the past 15 years. As a part of these studies, prehistoric Caddoan ceramic assemblages were recovered from 13 sites in three distinct drainage basins: three sites from the Sabine River drainage; three sites from the Cypress Creek drainage; and seven sites from the Sulphur River drainage. Recent research on the ceramic collections has emphasized variability in surface treatment, vessel form, and paste composition by means of a detailed attribute analysis and petrographic examination of a sample of the Caddoan …

Preliminary Report On A Stratified Late Archaic-Woodland Era Rockshelter In Rogers County, Oklahoma, Robert W. Jobson Jr., Frank Winchell, A. E. Picarella, Kiven C. Hill

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In northeastern Oklahoma, very little is known about the transition from the Late Archaic to the Woodland period (Wyckoff and Brooks, 1983: 55). To date, most of the archeological evidence documenting this time period has been derived from sites with mixed or otherwise uncertain components. In this report, we present a preliminary description of a small rockshelter, 34RO252, which has a Late Archaic deposit stratigraphically below a Woodland era cultural deposit. These two deposits are unmixed, discrete, and are physically separated by an apparently sterile clay soil horizon. It is anticipated that the stratified cultural deposits at this site will …

Archaeological Investigations At The Marshall Powdermill And Arsenal (41hs17), Confederate States Of America 1864-1865, Harrison County, Texas, Thomas E. Speir, David H. Jurney

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The Northeast Texas Archeological Society (NETAS), in conjunction with the East Texas, Dallas, and Tarrant County Archeological Societies has completed a year-long project at the Marshall Powder Mill, 41HS17, Harrison County, Texas. The Marshall Powder Mill manufactured gunpowder, small arms and cannon, and refurbished weaponry. It is one of several arsenals that served the Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederate States of America, and was among the last in operation from 1864 to 1865. None have been thoroughly investigated archaeologically, thereby ignoring a major aspect of the Confederacy's war effort and an important industrial enterprise.

An Early Ceramic Period Pit Feature At The Swan Lake Site (16bo11), Bossier Parish, Lousiana, Jeffery S. Girard

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

A pit feature containing Tchefuncte-like pottery, a Gary point, and fauna) remains recently was investigated at the Swan Lake Site (168011) located near Willow Chute Bayou in the Red River floodplain of eastern Bossier Parish. Three charcoal samples from the pit yielded radiocarbon ages of 2020 + /-60 B. P., 1830+/-70 B.P., and 1690+/-80 B.P. making this the earliest well-dated context in northwestern Louisiana containing ceramics.

The most conspicuous feature at the site is a mound, now approximately 2.5 m high and about 25 min diameter. Clarence Webb first recorded the site, but only made a short description:

"Solitary mound …

Historical Processes And The Political Organization Of The Hasinai Caddo Indians, Daniel A. Hickerson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Recent archaeological and ethnohistoric research has begun to reveal the extent of the depopulation that took place among Native American societies as a result of epidemic diseases that were introduced, in some cases, even before direct continuous interaction with Europeans. The research of Henry Dobyns on native demographic trends in Florida has been particularly influential on recent views of Native American demographic decline. While somewhat controversial, the findings of Dobyns and others have stimulated further research focusing on other areas of North America, including the Caddoan region.

Southwestern Pottery And Turquoise In Northeastern Texas, David H. Jurney, William Young

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Rare and often questionable occurrences of southwestern pottery and turquoise artifacts have been reported in northeastern Texas. These artifacts may mark major interaction networks. Both southwestern pottery and turquoise artifacts have been found at the Sanders site, which is located in the core distribution of these "erratics."

Recent Work At 34pa341 In The Brushy-Peaceable Watershed, Don R. Dickson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In October 1993, Historic Preservation Associates (HPA) conducted Phase II assessments at several sites in SCS Impoundments 26 and 29 in the Brushy-Peaceable watershed, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. Timothy C. Klinger acted as principal investigator; field director was Don R. Dickson. Most sites had been seriously disturbed by rodent activity and recent erosion. 34PS341, however, was located on a high terrace of Gardner Creek, did not seem to be as disturbed, and appeared to possibly represent a single Caddoan occupation.

In April 1994, the HPA team excavated an additional 14 1x1 m units in the northeastern part of the site, an …

A Probable Spiroan Entrepot In The Red River Valley In Northeast Texas, Frank Schambach

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In 1931, twenty-one graves at an obscure site on the edge of the Eastern Woodlands yielded an astonishing concentration of Mississippian prestige goods:

4 conch shell cups 21 shell gorgets 5,500 shell beads ca. 200 Olivella beads 26 freshwater pearl beads 2 copper-stained siltstone earspools 2 polished sandstone elbow pipes l negative-painted bottle 2 Mississippi Valley-style "bean pots"

In 1933, larger concentrations of similar goods were found at Spiro. But Sanders was 150 mountainous miles from Spiro (Figure l) and the domestic assemblages at both sites were unknown, so Sanders was not considered a Spiroan site. In 1946, Krieger made …

Prehistoric Lithic Procurement Sites: A Vanishing Resource, Don R. Dickson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Unfortunately, many archeologists are unaware of the rapidity with which these lithic procurement sites are being destroyed. Since many of them are located in areas not usually associated with prehistoric sites, such as on elevated ridges or in mountain settings often far from water, they are not monitored regularly by archeologists and often eliminated or damaged without scientific notice of such damage. For example, when I visited the Peoria Quarry in 1992 to obtain samples of the raw material, I discovered that over 90 percent of the site had been destroyed by leveling the ground for several houses. Later, in …

Caddoan Archeological And Historical Workshop For The Caddo Tribe Of Oklahoma In Support Of Their Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act Grant, Timothy K. Perttula

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

As part of the Native American Graves Protection Act (NAGPRA) grant recently received by the Caddo Indian Tribe of Oklahoma, the Caddo Tribe of Oklahoma requested that a professional archeologist (Timothy K. Perttula) conduct an ambitious three-day hands-on archeological and historical training session for tribal members, particularly members of the Caddo Repatriation Committee, in February 1995. The focus of the training session is to familiarize members of the Caddo Tribe in the identification of Caddo material culture (ceramics and lithics, as well as other types of artifacts found on habitation sites and in burial contexts), in learning the locations and …

Excavations At Mission San Jose Y San Miguel De Aguayo, San Antonio, Texas, Robert J. Hard, Anne A. Fox, I. Waynne Cox, Kevin J. Gross, Barbara A. Meissner, Guillermo I. Mendez, Cynthia L. Tennis, Jose E. Zapata

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

This report details an archaeological study of Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo conducted during the spring and summer of 1993. The study was undertaken by the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio, in accordance with a contract between the National Park Service (owner) and Cox/Croslin and Associates (sponsor). The principal research objective focused on determining the extent of impact the planned visitors' center construction and improvements would have on the mission's Spanish colonial features. Backhoe trenching, shovel testing, and unit excavations were used in the areas to be impacted by the …

Exhumation Of A Hero, Colonel Ben Milam, Milam Park Renovation, Phase I, Cynthia L. Tennis

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During the last part of 1992 and the beginning of 1993, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio monitored the initial stages of Phase I renovation and construction at Milam Park, New City Block 330. The work for this stage consisted of the removal of portions of an existing wall, ground preparation and leveling in the center of the park, construction of the footing for the new kiosk, and grading for a construction access ramp from Houston Street. Additionally, the excavation of three 4-x-20-ft backhoe trenches was monitored 1 in an attempt …

Excavation In A Historic Cemetery Milam Park Renovation Phase Ii, Cynthia L. Tennis

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Phase n of archaeological investigations at Milam Park in downtown San Antonio, Texas, were conducted by staff members from the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) of The University of Texas at San Antonio. This project consisted of shovel tests and monitoring of all excavations connected with construction and renovation activities at the park. Shovel tests were dug prior to ground alterations to assess the amount of recent fill dirt covering the historic surface of the park.

The assessment allowed identification of areas of the park that might be sensitive to construction impact. This information was used by the San Antonio …

Archaeological Testing Of 41bx1131 At O.R. Mitchell Dam, Bexar County, Texas, David L. Nickels, Aric Kertis

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The Center for Archaeological Research contracted with the Simpson Group to conduct testing of 41BXl131, a prehistoric archaeological site located at the base of O. R. Mitchell Dam, on Medio Creek in southwest Bexar County. The purpose of testing was to determine whether or not the site would be impacted by construction of a spillway in the immediate area.

A pedestrian survey identified the extent of surface scatter. Subsequent shovel testing and backhoe trenching determined that the site had no depth, and consisted of a surface scatter only.

Documentation Of The San Pedro Acequia (41bx337) At Trevino Street, San Antonio, Texas, I. Waynne Cox

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In August 1994, the Center for Archaeological Research entered into a contract with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department to provide monitoring for the Trevino Street improvements immediately to the north of San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio. Previous investigations had shown that the stonelined San Pedro acequia existed at the curb line on Main Avenue.

Monitoring was conducted as the street surface was removed and, as expected, the acequia was exposed. The location of the acequia was documented by photography and measured drawings. A plan map of the location was produced and archival research revealed the history …