Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - March 21

March 21, 2025
Three archaeologists wearing yellow protective vests inside an excavation unit

Investigations continued for the Church Preservation Project. Archaeologists completed work in EU-3 and continued excavations within EU-7.

Excavations at EU-3 terminated at 150 cm below surface; this depth was predetermined based on future construction design. At the base of the unit, archaeologists encountered the cementitious caliche layer. As archaeologists reached the deeper soils, few artifacts were found. However, some lithic debitage was recovered. Final documentation of EU-3 included detailed mapping and identification of the stratigraphy.

At EU-7, archaeologists reached a depth of 70 cm below surface by the end of the week. While several artifacts were recovered, few were diagnostic. This unit is marked by multiple previous construction episodes, as evidenced by the utility conduits extending across the unit at varying depths. There was also quite a bit of construction material, such as bricks and nails, indicating the previous construction in this area.

Square area inside an excavation unit with crossed exposed piping
EU-7 at 70cm below surface.
Construction materials including nails next to a ruler for size
Construction materials from EU-7.
Ceramic sherds and a doorknob next to a ruler for size
Ceramic sherds and a doorknob from EU-7.
Fragments of olive glass next to a ruler for size
Olive glass from EU-7.