Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - January 20

Archaeologists continued investigations for the Church Preservation Project in EUs 39, 51, 56, and 59.

A group of units located north of the Church and near the Gift Shop were excavated last week. Excavation within these units- EUs 39, 51, and 56- were almost completed. Each of the units exhibits significant disturbance from previous construction in this area. Multiple old utility pipes were encountered, as well as a sand-rich matric indicative of soils associated with construction episodes. The maximum depth for these units was 1 meter below surface. At the completion of excavation all units were documented with photos, hand drawn maps, 3D scanning, and GPS points.

While the stratigraphy in EUs 39, 51, and 56 indicates intrusive construction deposits and mixed contexts, archaeologists did encounter some interesting artifacts. EU-51 recovered a horseshoe, several stoneware ceramic sherds, and a .58 caliber Minié ball.

Archaeologists also completed excavations within EU-59 against the Church wall. Archaeologists excavated to a depth of 150 cm below surface. The natural caliche began to appear around 130 cm below surface and covered the base of the unit at the terminal depth. Archaeologists documented a shallow posthole near the wall at approximately 120 cm below surface. No artifacts were recovered at this depth.