Alamo Archaeology Church Preservation - October 31

Archaeological investigations continued for the Church Preservation Project. Archaeologists continued to work in EUs 15, 20, 27, and 139.

In EU-15 archaeologists excavated to approximately 150 cm below surface. The natural caliche hardpan was encountered at the base of the unit. Final unit documentation will entail detailed soil profile maps, a unit plan map, scans, and georeferenced points.

Archaeologists completed excavations within EU-20. Archaeologists encountered a north-south limestone alignment approximately 110 cm below surface. The feature is located at the west boundary of the unit, extending north from the temporary sacristy wall. The alignment is composed of two courses of large stones. No mortar is visible in between the stones. The alignment was previously impacted by a builder’s trench on the southern end, and a clay pipe on the northern end. No significant artifacts were recovered in association with the feature. After exposing the base of the limestone alignment, archaeologists encountered the natural R horizon and ceased excavation at 130 cm below surface.

EU-27, located northwest of EU-20, also resumed excavations this week. Archaeologists reached a depth of 20 cm below surface, still within the modern landscaping deposit. Artifacts consisted of glass, metal, and European earthenware ceramic.

Archaeologists within EU-139 completed excavations this week, terminating at 100 cm below surface. Final unit documentation was also completed for the unit. This entailed plan and profile maps, soil descriptions, scans, and georeferenced points.