Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - July 18

Archaeologists continued to excavate in EU-31. In the south-central section of the unit, archaeologists exposed a deposit consistent with by previous construction, likely from the commercial period at the site. The presence of mortar and plaster, mule shoes, nails/hardware, brick, and European earthenware ceramic indicate the deposit post-date the mission period. The dark clay loam on the far eastern section of the unit is a natural, intact soil that directly precedes the culturally sterile R horizon, or caliche hardpan.

Excavations at EU-34 also continued. Archaeologists continued to reveal soil deposits likely associated with the construction of the garden walls, as well as the intact clay loam deposits before encountering the R Horizon. At approximately 120 cm below surface, archaeologists came across an exciting find - several Valero Red Painted sherds in situ. Upon closer examination, archaeologists were able to identify red painted designs, as well as distinct wheel striations on the interior and exterior surfaces of the sherds. Valero ware is a Spanish Colonial ceramic that dates to 1700 to 1825. These are commonly encountered during archaeological investigations at the Alamo and other mission era sites across San Antonio.