Results of Data Recovery at Two Historic Sites and National Register of Historic Places Eligibility Testing at One Prehistoric Site at the Sun Haven Development near Wittmann, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

This report presents the results of data recovery at two Historic period sites and National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility testing at one Prehistoric site within the proposed Sun Haven development in northwest Maricopa County, Arizona. A residential development is planned for the privately owned 2,124-acre property by Element Homes of Phoenix. In 2002, Archaeological Consulting Services, Ltd. (ACS), performed a cultural resource survey that identified seven prehistoric and historic sites in the project area (Jones and Aguila 2002). AZ T:3:271 (ASM) and AZ T:3:272 (ASM) were recommended eligible for the NRHP, and these sites would be impacted by the proposed development. In order to mitigate the impact of the development, data recovery at both sites was recommended. ACS was unable to determine the NRHP eligibility of AZ T:2:83 (ASM) in 2002, so archaeological testing was recommended to determine its eligibility. A treatment plan was prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) and was submitted to and approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). SWCA then completed data recovery at AZ T:3:271 (ASM) and AZ T:3:272 (ASM) and NRHP eligibility testing at AZ T:2:83 (ASM).

Data recovery at AZ T:3:271 (ASM) and AZ T:3:272 (ASM) resulted in the identification of several new features and the clarification of the function of several previously identified features. Artifact analysis has confirmed the occupation dates, given by ACS (Jones and Aguila 2002), of 1920s-1930s for both sites. Archival research has confirmed that Charles S. Mason was granted a stock-raising homestead patent for the land on which AZ T:3:271 (ASM) is located, as reported by ACS (Jones and Aguila 2002), and has identified James T. Smith as the recipient of a stock-raising homestead patent for the land on which AZ T:3:272 (ASM) is located. No further information could be found about either individual. Artifact analysis indicates that AZ T:3:271 (ASM) seems to have been occupied by a man and a woman, while AZ T:3:272 (ASM) was occupied by one or more men. Both sites were used primarily for raising livestock, likely cattle, as demonstrated by various types of water catchment and storage systems. Although individuals at both homesteads invested time and money to construct these water-control features, occupations at both sites appear to be fairly brief, perhaps ending not long after the beginning of the Great Depression in 1929.

NRHP eligibility testing at AZ T:2:83 (ASM) failed to identify any subsurface features or artifacts. The site has been heavily disturbed by off-road vehicle traffic and only a small number of the original artifacts could be relocated. Therefore, AZ T:2:83 (ASM) is recommended not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.

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

Sponsor(s): Sun Haven I, L.L.C.

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

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

Record Identifiers

USACE File No. (s): 2002-00976-AP

SWCA Project No. (s): 10271

File Information