Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - August 22

Archaeological investigations continued at the Alamo Church last week. Archaeologists were active in EUs 32, 38, and 44.

 A new unit- EU-32—was opened last week. This unit is on the north side of the Church and within Convento Courtyard. Archaeologists reached a depth 60 below surface by the end of the week. There are three distinct soil depositions, two of which are modern utility impacts. Noe features were encountered but some historic artifacts were seen. Two complete glass containers were recovered approximately 40 cm below surface.

Archaeologists also opened EU-38 on the north side of the Church near the gift shop. The unit was excavated to approximately 60 cm below surface. The unit was marked by multiple modern disturbances, including an electrical box and conduit and a large piece of concrete. Artifacts from these upper levels included nails, slag, and window pane fragments. However a complete bottle was recovered from approximately 40 cm below surface.

Archaeologists continued excavation in EU-44. Archaeologists reached an approximate depth of  130 cm below surface by the end of the week. During the week, five features were encountered. The reconstructed sacristy wall footer was encountered at approximately 50 cm below surface. This footer was underlain by a different limestone masonry that was recorded as a separate feature. The lower portion of the footer possibly represents an original construction episode. A packed caliche surface was encountered at approximately 110 cm below surface. This surface suggests this space, adjacent to the sacristy, was utilized as a work zone. Additionally, two post molds were recorded at approximately 110 cm below surface.