La Plaza y La Cremaria: Archaeological Investigations in a Portion of AZ U:9:165 (ASM), a Multicomponent Site in Tempe, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

Data recovery within a small portion of La Plaza, AZ U:9:165 (ASM), revealed both prehistoric and historic remains. The prehistoric component included seven structure remnants, four cremation burials, six pits, 17 canal segments, and three miscellaneous features. Absolute and relative dates suggest occupation by the Hohokam during portions of the Colonial, Sedentary, and early Classic periods. The habitation-related features and burials were clustered in the northwest corner of the project area, with a complex series of small and large canals to the east and south. Historically, the area was part of a Hispanic barrio variously known as La Cremaria (named after a nearby creamery where many of its residents were employed), Barrio del May's, and the Sotelo Addition. Residential development began in the early 1870s but intensified after 1890, and it remained a low-income, working-class Hispanic neighborhood well into the 1960s. Historic features consisted of four house remnants (three of which were Sonoran-style adobe structures), two privies, 14 trash pits, and eight miscellaneous features. Feature and artifact types are consistent with post-1890 residential development and occupation throughout the early and middle 20th century.

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 775 to 1300 (Hohokam occupation)

Calendar Date: 1872 to 1970 (Hispanic occupation)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Archaeological Research Services, Inc., Tempe, AZ

Principal Investigator(s): Lyle Stone

Notes

General Note: Many additional excavations have been conducted in La Plaza since this report was published in 2005. Most of this additional work has been along or near the light rail alignment on the south side of Tempe Butte, about a half-mile northwest of the area investigated by ARS. Although AZ U:9:165 (ASM) encompasses a very large area, it has been argued that the intensive occupation near Tempe Butte is the "real" La Plaza and that the more limited, dispersed remains found in the ARS project area may represent a different or outlying site. Additional work in the area between Tempe Butte and the ARS project area may help address this issue.

General Note: This report is presented as a single large .pdf file formatted for double-sided printing on 8.5" by 11" paper. Oversize figures have been shrunk and rotated to fit. A technical oddity may be noted: although all of the photos are in black-and-white, some of them were reproduced with a distinct purplish tint of unknown origin that I couldn't get rid of. View and print the document in grayscale to avoid this distraction.

General Note: Raw data tables for prehistoric and historic artifacts are included in a series of appendices. These are available only in .pdf form, not as searchable databases.

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