Archaeological Testing at Eight Prehistoric Sites for the Proposed Rancho Sahuarita Golf Course, Pima County, Arizona

Summary

From January 2 to January 13, 1997, SWCA, Inc. Environmental Consultants conducted preliminary test excavations at eight prehistoric archaeological sites for a planned golf course in the Rancho Sahuarita development located within the incorporated boundaries of Sahuarita, Pima County, Arizona. All sites appear to be affiliated with the prehistoric Hohokam and date to the Rincon and/or Tanque Verde phases (A.D. 950 to A.D. 1250).

Plans for the golf course, which will be the first phase of a large residential and recreational complex, indicate that construction will fully impact four sites (AZ EE:1:148 [ASM], AZ EE:1:222 [ASM], AZ EE:1:225 [ASM], and AZ EE:1:226 [ASM]), will mostly impact one site (AZ EE:1:224 [ASM]), and will impact areas near to three other sites (AZ EE:1:147 [ASM], AZ EE:1:149 [ASM], and AZ EE: 1:221 [ASM]). Testing was conducted along the edges of the three sites that will not be directly impacted in order to determine if subsurface deposits extend into the impacted areas. Limited testing was conducted within the five sites that will be fully or mostly impacted in order to determine the presence or absence of cultural deposits for planning purposes. Testing consisted of limited surface collection and the excavation of 33 backhoe trenches (743.35 linear meters). All trenches were faced and examined for subsurface deposits. All cultural features were mapped and profiled.

Subsurface cultural material was noted at all but one (AZ EE:1:221 [ASM]) of the sites, and a total of seven subsurface features were discovered. The deposits at the three sites that will not be directly impacted are limited in extent, and the one fire pit feature found at AZ EE:1:149 (ASM) is deeply buried and appears to be isolated. No subsurface features were discovered at AZ EE:1:148 (ASM), though the testing was not extensive. Subsurface features were found at AZ EE:1:224 (ASM), AZ EE:1:225 (ASM), and AZ EE:1:226 (ASM), and include probable pit houses, middens, and fire pits.

Per our original proposal, this testing program was not intended to conform with the regulations regarding Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The intent was to test for presence or absence of cultural deposits in order to aid and guide planning for future work. As indicated, testing at AZ EE:1:147 (ASM), AZ EE:1:149 (ASM), or AZ EE:1:221 (ASM) was conducted at the outside edges of the sites for the purpose of examining the impact zone of the golf course where it passes near to these sites. Provided that the plan for the golf course does not change, no significant deposits will be impacted in these areas. However, the golf course will impact the entirety of the five other sites. The trenching at sites AZ EE:1:224 (ASM), AZ EE:1:225 (ASM), and AZ EE:1:226 (ASM) was adequate to establish that subsurface deposits exist, but was inadequate to determine the complete extent of those deposits. In the event that these sites will be impacted by proposed construction, additional trenches should placed in these sites to determine their aerial extent, followed by a program of surface stripping and excavation for mitigation. The trenching at sites AZ EE:1:148 (ASM) and AZ EE:1:222 (ASM) was not sufficient to determine the true nature of any subsurface deposits present. Additional testing is recommended for these two sites should Section 106 clearance be sought.

In addition to the testing described in this report, a zoomorphic stone censer was discovered in the northern portion of the Rancho Sahuarita development area. This artifact is treated and described as an isolated find.

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): Sharpe and Associates, Inc.

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