Papers of the Archaeology of the Texas Coast

The papers published in this volume represent contributions from professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists, and students. Many aspects of coastal archaeology are unknown, and there is a great need for data-oriented papers, site reports, reviews of specific aboriginal technologies, and for other papers dealing with certain facets of the prehistoric and historic archaeology of the coastal zone

An Archaeological Survey of a Proposed Dredge Spoil Site in Nueces County, Texas

During December 1983, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted an archaeological survey of a proposed dredge spoil site in Nueces County for the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. One site (41 NU 211) was located. Artifacts included one Early Archaic dart point fragment which suggests that 41 NU 211 may date as earl y as 4000 B.C. Limited testing is recommended to evaluate the site unless project plans are altered

History and Archaeology of the Hot Wells Hotel Site, 41BX237

During the month of April 1984, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted a surface survey and test excavations at the Hot Wells Hotel site in south San Antonio. The purpose of the project was to locate and map the foundations of a large brick resort hotel, built in 1901 and burned in 1925, and to locate and test remains of any other structures on the Hot Wells site. One additional brick foundation that appears contemporary with the hotel was located and mapped. Artifacts recovered pertained primarily to the hotel, or to later residents in the area

An Archaeological and Historical Assessment of the Tule Lake Tract, Nueces County, Texas

On March 2 and 3, 1977, an archaeological survey of the area surrounding Tule Lake, in Corpus Christi, Texas, was conducted by the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio. The reconnaissance was authorized by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, prior to disposal of fill resulting from harbor dredging activities. Mr. William Sky Eagle of the Corpus Christi office of the Corps provided us with detailed locational information, and Mr. David Espy, a Corpus Christi resident and avocational archaeologist, informed us of local activities and discoveries, as well as opening his own collections of artifacts from the area. Dr. Thomas Hester, Center for Archaeological Research, was Principal Investigator. Field work was supervised by Stephen Black, with the aid of Andrea Gerstle. Laboratory analysis of artifacts was performed by Andrea Gerstle

Archaeological Investigations at 41LK201 Choke Canyon Reservoir, Southern Texas

Two phases of archaeological investigations were carried out by the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, in the Choke Canyon Reservoir region in south Texas. Sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the investigations were necessitated by the impending dam construction and subsequent filling of the reservoir. During Phase I, numerous prehistoric sites were recorded and tested. As a result, several sites were recommended for additional excavations during Phase II. Site 41LK201 was selected for intensive investigations because it contained both Archaic and Late Prehistoric cultural remains, was well stratified, and contained preserved charcoal and faunal samples throughout the occupational zones. Phase II excavations were designed to expose the stratified components both horizontally and vertically. The Archaic deposits included a series of burned rock features which provided wood charcoal suitable for radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon dates for Middle and Late Archaic deposits ranged from 1300 B.C. (derived from Phase I excavations) to 480 B.C. Diagnostic artifacts were limited to a few dart points and gougelike tools. The upper levels contained an extensive late phase Late Prehistoric occupational zone that produced Perdiz arrow points, end scrapers, bonetempered pottery, and other types of midden debris. The extensive, concentrated nature of the Late Prehistoric zone warranted additional investigations. A UTSA Field School carried out extensive excavations that were primarily restricted to the upper 20 cm of deposits. Numerous Perdiz points, beveled knives, end scrapers, perforators or drills, bone and shell artifacts, and the largest ceramic sample from a single site in the reservoir region were recovered. Faunal remains recovered were marine shells, land snails, and a wide array of identifiable animal bone, including bison. Two radiocarbon dates, A.D. 1470-1500 and A.D. 1510-1590, were derived from these levels

Archaeological and Historical Investigations at the Site of the New Bexar County Justice Center in Downtown San Antonio, Texas

Between 1978 and 1987, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted test excavations and monitored demolition of buildings on NCB 100 within the Main and Military Plazas National Historic District in downtown San Antonio. The block is the site chosen for construction of a Bexar County Justice Center. The sites of three small residences on the south end of the block were tested. Of these, two were thought to be eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and for nomination as State Archeological Landmarks. At the north end of the block, the foundations of a small stone house built by the Salinas family were located, and testing was done in the back yard. A well believed built by the Salinas family was examined and recorded. A section of the San Pedro acequia, was exposed and recorded, and it is recommended that part of this waterway be restored during the landscaping for the new building. In 1988, monitoring was done for excavation of a trench between the Bexar County Courthouse and the new Justice Center, which will provide a substreet walkway (tunnel) under Main Street. No significant cultural resources were encountered

Archaeological and Historical Investigations at Wallisville Lake, Chambers and Liberty Counties, Texas

During July and August 1979, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted survey, testing, and historical research on lands to be included in the Wallisville Lake in Liberty and Chambers Counties, Texas. A summary is presented of 21 previously recorded prehistoric sites within the proposed Plan 2A, with recommendations for further treatment of these sites. Test excavations at a newly located prehistoric site are described. A detailed description of the history and archaeological testing of 19 historic sites is included, along with a history and description of the town of Wallisville. Artifacts are illustrated and faunal analysis described and tabulated; numerous maps, photographs, and drawings are included. Appendices include a series of early newspaper articles on brick making and a catalog of artifacts recovered from a test pit at a late 19th-century boarding house