Archeological Survey in the Eastern Tucson Basin: Saguaro National Monument, Rincon Mountain Unit, Tanque Verde Ridge, Rincon Creek, Mica Mountain Areas, Volume III

Summary

The second phase of an archeological inventory of Saguaro National MOnument, Rincon Mountain Unit involved examination of 10,000 acres between 3,000 and 4,000 feet elevation along Tanque Verde Ridge, the Rincon Creek headwaters area and selected high elevation areas in the Rincon Mountains.

One hundred twenty archaeological sites and 202 isolated artifact locations were recorded. Seven types of prehistoric sites are described: rockshelters, bedrock mortar locations, lithic quarries, petroglyph or pictograph sites, agricultural field systems, masonry feature sites and artifact scatters. The prehistoric occupation of the study area spans a wide range of time beginning with a possible Paleo-Indian projectile point; there is substantial evidence of Archaic and Tucson Basin Hohokam occupation and minor evidence of Sobaipuri, Papago and Apache presence. Settlement patterns and the material culture of the prehistoric sites are examined.

The historic sites include mines, mining camps, homesteads and ranching sites. The historic period occupation of the study area is briefly described.

The management chapter includes lists of archeological sites near trails and the dimensions of mine shafts. The proposed removal of old dams and the Mica Mountain fire tower are discussed.

Appendix 1 is a cross listing of all site field numbers with Arizona State Museum site numbers and previous references. Appendix 2 lists all ceramics inventoried onsite. Individual site descriptions form Appendix 3 (Volume IV); the inventory of isolated artifact locations make up Appendix 4 (Volume IV).

This report on the 1984 archaeological survey of Tanque Verde Ridge, Rincon Creek and Mica Mountain at Saguaro National Monument is published as Volumes III and IV of Western Archaeological and Conservation Center Publications in Anthropology 22. Volumes I and II report the findings on the 1983 survey of the cactus forest area (Simpson and Wells 1983).

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Arizona   •
• Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: -4000 to 1950

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Mark F. Baumler

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