Test Excavations at Nine Archaeological Sites on the Scottsdale 927 Property, Scottsdale, Arizona

Summary

This report presents the results of archaeological testing investigations at nine prehistoric sites on the proposed SCOTTSDALE 927 residential development property (formerly known as the Amberjack project). The results of this testing project are used to evaluate these site’s eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These recommendations are being presented in partial support of a Clean Water Act permitting process, which is required prior to development of the parcel.

This project area is located on privately owned land in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1996, a comprehensive pedestrian survey of the entire 990-acre project parcel located 12 archaeological sites (ten prehistoric and two historic) and 171 isolated occurrences of prehistoric and historic material (DeMaagd and Punzmann 1996). Based on data collected during the survey, three of these sites (two historic and one prehistoric) and all of the isolated occurrences were determined to be ineligible for nomination to the National Register. However, the eligibility of the remaining nine prehistoric sites could not be determined from the survey data (DeMaagd and Punzmann 1996). These nine potentially eligible sites included eight artifact scatters (which included varying quantities of ceramics and flaked and ground stone artifacts) that probably indicate Hohokam use of the area, and a ninth site that exhibited a scatter of mostly flaked and ground stone artifacts (perhaps indicating an Archaic period site).

This testing project was implemented to collect additional data to allow more informed decisions regarding these sites’ eligibility for nomination to the NRHP. This report outlines the archaeological testing activities that were conducted at each of the nine sites. The archaeological resources are described and interpreted, and the significance of each site is assessed according to the criteria of eligibility for NRHP nomination (as outlined in 36CFR60.4). Based on data collected during the testing project, seven sites are recommended as being ineligible for the NRHP, and two are recommended as being eligible. This report concludes with recommendations concerning the possible treatment of the two register-eligible sites.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 700 to 1100 (Occupation range)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Submitted To(s): CTAJ Investments, L.L.C.

File Information