Production and Consumption in the Old West: Examining Cottage Industry and Diet at the Nate Harrison Site

Summary

A life-long laborer, Nate Harrison engaged in many industrious activities during his time on Palomar Mountain in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Using historical, photographic, and archaeological evidence, this paper aims to analyze and evaluate the different industries in which Harrison participated and the significance of these activities for the local community.  Soil-chemistry studies, faunal analyses, and various archaeologically-uncovered tools present a robust portrait of activity and sustainability at this remote site.  These empirical finds are often at odds with historical records that waver between romanticized embellishment and racist revisionism.  This paper employs a socioeconomic framework of consumption and production to address what defines industry.  The consequent discussion starts with Harrison’s commonplace ranching practices as a shepherd and timberman and then grapples with more nontraditional activities like tourism and storytelling. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018   •
• "Born a Slave, Died a Pioneer": Nate Harrison and the Historical Archaeology of Legend

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Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

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PaperId(s): 224