Investigations continued for the Church Preservation Project. Archaeologists opened EUs 1 and 2 mid-week on the north side of the Alamo Church.
Both units had evidence of modern disturbance and very few significant artifacts. The majority of artifacts were construction related, such as nails, brick, and glass.
In EU-1, archaeologists excavated to approximately 60 cm below surface. While this unit was designed as a 2m x 2m unit, the presence of metal support pole needed to be avoided. As such, after measuring the full dimensions, archaeologists sliced the NW corner to avoid excavation around the pole. Archaeologists almost immediately encountered utility conduits. Eventually two of these utilities were determined to be abandoned and able to be removed. Due to the utilities, there is significant disturbance within this unit in the top 60 cm. However, at about 50 cm below surface archaeologists did encounter a limestone alignment. This alignment appears to have had additional stones but was previously disturbed. Based on the depth and review of historic photos, it is possible this alignment was associated with the Hugo & Schmeltzer store. Check out the Alamo website to learn more!
Archaeologists in EU-2 excavated to an approximate depth of 30 cm below surface. At the end of the week the unit was still within modern soils. There is a utility conduit extending across the unit and very few artifacts.
