Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - October 3

October 3, 2025

Archaeological investigations continued at the Alamo Church. Archaeologists completed EU 141 and continued excavations at EUs 136 and 145. One new unit—EU-134—was opened immediately north of the previously excavated EU-135. Another new unit—EU-21- was opened on the north side of the Church against the exterior wall of the temporary sacristy.

EU-134 is located on the south side of the Church against the exterior wall of the nave. Archaeologists reached a maximum depth of 20 cm below surface. The top two levels of this unit were modern deposits and no artifacts were recovered.

Archaeologists in EU-136 reached a depth of 60 cm below surface by the end of the week. The southern façade of the limestone alignment previously identified in EU-135 was intact and documented. Additionally, archaeologists encountered a prepared surface and a wooden post. Most of the artifacts recovered appeared to be more modern items, but a two-holed shell button was found.

Surface of an excavation unit 20 cm below
EU-134 at 20 cm below surface, photo facing north.
White shell button on top of black rock
Shell button from EU-136.
Tube along side of interior excavation unit
EU-136, photo facing north.
Stone artifacts on a sandy surface
Various artifacts from EU-136.

Archaeologists in EU-145 continued excavations to a depth of approximately 120 cm below surface. The limestone alignment is well defined and archaeologists have encountered the natural caliche at the base of the unit. Artifact counts are low, however a Guerrero point was recovered from lower levels.

Three tubes across the top of an excavation unit with limestone feature
EU-145 at approximately 50 cm below surface, photo facing west.
Small guerrero point artifact in the palm of a hand
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Tube across middle of excavation unit
EU-21 at approximately 50 cm below surface, photo facing south.