Whelan Lake (CA-SDI-6010): A La Jollan Campsite on the Lower San Luis Rey River, San Diego County, California

Summary

This report details the results of archaeological test excavations conducted in August, 1991, by Statistical Research, Inc., at the Whelan Lake site (CA-SDI 6010). Whelan Lake is an early La Jollan campsite dating between 6500 and 7400 B.P. The site is a moderately dense shell midden situated on a knoll overlooking the San Luis Rey River about 7 km upstream from the coast. The midden has a roughly oval shape and measures 90 m by 60 m. Over 200 m of backhoe trenches and 17 m 2 of test pits were excavated in this area. Four cultural features, all interpreted as hearths, were exposed in the excavation units.

An accurate reconstruction of the paleoenvironment of the lower San Luis Rey River basin is crucial for a correct interpretation of the recovered data. Although the precise maximum extent of the estuarine zone during the Early Holocene is unknown. Geomorphic assessment suggests that a relatively stable, brackish lagoon once extended 2 km inland, confined to the fjord-like lower stretch of the river. A more substantial saltwater marsh may have briefly existed as far as 4 km inland. Freshwater marshes formed upstream as waters backed up behind the estuary. In agreement with the geomorphic evidence, micro- and macrobotanical analyses suggest that the site was situated in a freshwater marshland environment.

Although shellfish comprises the bulk of faunal remains present in the midden, the dietary significance of this food source is minimal. NISP for small terrestrial animals is relatively large, highlighting the importance of non-aquatic sources for meat in the diet of the site's occupants. The archaeobotanical assemblage is dominated by a mixture of edible grasses, legumes, and small seeds similar to that found at many other sites in southern California. The lithic collection reflects a hunting-gathering economy. Results from our excavations at Whelan Lake indicate that La Jollan reliance on estuarine sustenance is not always as strong as assumed. At this site, the dominant economic focus appears to have been on the freshwater marshland just above the estuary.

Reconciling the excavation data with the geomorphic evidence leads to a model of early coastal adaptation for the river that is then placed in a regional context. A comparison of recorded sites in the lower basin sheds light on the puzzling relationship between La Jollan and Pauman groups. Sites either show a mixed marine/terrestrial economy (La Jolla) or a pure terrestrial economy (Pauma). Perhaps the difference reflects cyclical exploitation of multiple ecozones by one people, rather than a disparate economic emphasis by two groups. Concentrations of groups around the estuarine zone and in the mountainous inland zone may be seen as two poles of one adaptation system. The adaptational balance shifted through time due to environmental constraints. It seems likely that when the coastal lagoon silted in some 3,500 years ago, people gradually moved inland to exploit a more varied resource zone.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SRI Press

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Radiocarbon Date: 7400 to 6500 (BP)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): SRI Press

Contributor(s): Paul D. Bouey; Kellie M. Cairns; Owen K. Davis; C. Kimberly Greene McClure; Charles Miksicek; Thomas Origer; Anthony Orme; Keith J. Vlastos

Prepared By(s): Statistical Research, Inc.

Submitted To(s): U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District

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