Alamo Plan Phase 2 Archaeology - August 18

August 18, 2023

Archaeological investigations continued in the Phase 2 Project Area this week. Excavation of five backhoe trenches (#s 2, 3, 11, 8, 7) was completed. All trenches showed evidence of previous disturbance and no archaeological features nor artifacts were encountered. Archaeological trenching has been completed, but archaeologists will continue to monitor all ground-disturbing activities.

Backhoe Trench 2 was a north-south trench located within Alamo Street and west of the Mission Gate exhibit (Figure 1). This trench was approximately 21 feet (ft) (6.3 meters [m]) in length, 3 ft 2 inches (1 m) in width, and had a maximum depth of 6 ft 4 in (1.95 m). There were no cultural deposits and no evidence of any archaeological features, such as structural elements. No artifacts were encountered within this trench.

Backhoe trench facing northeast — Figure 1. Overview of completed BHT 2, facing northeast.

Backhoe Trench 3 was an east-west oriented trench located west of the current Lunette exhibit. This trench was approximately 13 ft (4 m) in length, 3 ft (1 m) in width, and had a maximum depth of 7 ft 4 in (2.2 m). We encountered an existing utility trench in the western portion of the trench. Excavation of the eastern portion of the trench continued until the natural hardpan was encountered across the base of trench (Figure 2). Much of the matrix within this trench was related to modern construction. There were no artifacts and no archaeological features within this trench.

Eastern portion of backhoe trench facing south — Figure 2. Overview of eastern portion of BHT 3, facing south.

Backhoe Trench 7 was a north-south trench located just north of the Alamo Street and Crockett Street intersection. This trench measured approximately 14 ft 4 in (4.4 m) in length and 3 ft 7 in (1.14) in width. This trench extended to a depth of 6 ft (1.8 m) and was terminated when we encountered loose construction gravels indicative of a major utility (Figure 3). There were no intact soils within this trench, likely due to existing utilities and road construction. No artifacts, nor archaeological features were encountered in this trench.

Backhoe trench facing north — Figure 3. Overview of BHT 7, facing north.

Backhoe Trench 8 was a northwest-southeast oriented trench located towards the southwestern extent of Alamo Plaza. This trench was approximately 14 ft 7 in (4.2 m) in length, 2 ft 3 in (0.71 cm) in width, and a maximum depth of 3.5 ft (1 m). Several utilities were encountered in the western and central portion of the trench (Figure 4). Additionally a concrete encasement was present in the northern profile, suggesting another utility line. Excavations continued within the eastern portion until another utility was encountered. No cultural materials and no archaeological features were encountered within this trench.

Inside of backhoe trench with some bricks at the side — Figure 4. Overview of BHT 8, facing north.

Backhoe Trench 11 was an east-west oriented trench located towards the western extent of Alamo Plaza. This trench was approximately 13 ft 4 in (4.1 m) in length, 2 ft 9 in (90 cm) in width, and had a maximum depth of 4 ft 5 in (1.4 m). Immediately below the concrete we encountered existing utilities in the western half of the trench; this portion of the trench remained unexcavated. Excavations continued in the eastern half until the natural hardpan was encountered at the base of the trench (Figure 5). No cultural materials and no archaeological features were encountered within this trench.

Preservation Updates

Alamo Plan Phase 2 Archaeology - August 18

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