Archeological Survey in Northeastern Death Valley National Monument

Summary

This report describes the results of an archeological clearance

survey along 61 km of the northern and northeastern boundaries of Death

Valley National Monument. The purpose of this survey was to identify

cultural resources within a right-of-way for a fence, planned for this

part of the monument boundary, in order the assess the impact of fence

constructi on on these resources. Bri ef di scussi ons of the present and

past environment and the cultural history of the survey area are

presented as background. A description of survey methods is followed by

a detailed discussion of the cultural material found. Eleven sites were

identified, including eight prehistoric and three historic sites. Of

the prehistoric sites, four are low-density lithic scatters on the

surface, lacking diagnostic artifacts. The remaining prehistoric sites

include a small sherd and lithic scatter, two rockshelters, and a large

(probable) base camp. Ceramics found at three of these latter sites

date them to the Shoshonean period (A.D. l200-contact). The three

historic sites are a small site of uncertain function, a small mining

camp, and a very large site that probably represents the historic town

of Amargosa. Isolated finds include 48 prehistoric and historic

artifacts (including a possible petroglyph), 28 rock clusters or cairns,

and two mines. The description of the cultural materials is followed by

an interpretative discussion of the nature and distribution of these

materials. Finally, the archeological significance and potential impact

of fence construction on the identified cultural resources is assessed,

and cultural resource management recommendations are presented.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• WACC documents 1980-1989   •
• Death Valley National Park, California   •
• California

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1200 to 1900

Spatial Coverage

File Information