A Report on Archaeological Test Excavations in a Portion of AZ AA:1:139 (ASM), Casa Grande, Pinal County, Arizona

Summary

KB Home of Phoenix, Arizona is planning the residential development of approximately 80.0 acres on the northern edge of the community of Casa Grande, Arizona. A previous archaeological survey of the parcel resulted in the identification of a single prehistoric Hohokam site, AZ AA:1:139 (ASM), in the northern half of the project area (Hart 2001). The site, which appears to extend beyond the boundary of the parcel, is described as an artifact scatter (ceramics and flaked stone) with a single artifact concentration in the northeastern comer of the parcel. Perhaps a thousand sherds were scattered across the 30+ acres of the site and approximately 50 pieces of flaked stone and two possible hammer stones were noted. It was suggested the scatter was associated with a small village (Hart 2001).

At the request of KB Home, SWCA Environmental Consultants conducted subsurface archaeological testing in that portion of AZ AA:1:139 (ASM) within the Desert Crossing project area to determine if significant cultural deposits or features or both were present. KB home undertook the testing to determine their potential financial liability with regard to mitigating potential impacts to any archaeological resources that might be present in the proposed project area. Specifically, KB Home was concerned that the presence of significant and extensive archaeological remains would render the proposed development fiscally unviable. The property is privately owned and no federal permits are required for the development of this parcel.

SWCA excavated 15 25-m trenches totaling 375 meters. Two subsurface features were identified in the northwestern corner of the project area. An isolated pithouse of unknown age and a small, ash-filled pit were identified. No other cultural features and deposits, and virtually no subsurface artifacts were identified. It is unlikely that any further investigation of the portion of AZ AA:1:139 (ASM) within the Desert Crossing project areas would yield any new or significant scientific information on the prehistory of the area. Nevertheless, archaeological monitoring of ground disturbing activities in proximity of the pithouse is recommended.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SWCA DAHA Resources   •
• Digital Archive of Huhugam Archaeology (DAHA)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Submitted To(s): KB Home Phoenix, Inc.

Record Identifiers

SWCA Project No.(s): 5051-041

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