Archaeological Testing of Thirteen Sites in the Estrella Mountain Ranch Development, Maricopa County, Arizona

Summary

This report presents the results of an archaeological testing program conducted in the Estrella Mountain Ranch Development, near Goodyear, Arizona. The purpose of the testing program was to assess the nature and significance of thirteen archaeological sites prior to proposed development within the area. The sites, AZ T:11:66, AZ T:11:67, AZ T:11:68, AZ T:11:71, AZ T:11:72, AZ T:11:73, AZ T:11:74, AZ T:11:76, AZ T:11:80, AZ T:11:82, AZ T:11:85, AZ T:11:86, and AZ T:11:87 (all ASM), were located during two surveys of the area (Ryden et al. 1997; Ryden, Mitchell, and Stubing 1997). The surveys encompassed a combined 5680 acres, and recorded a total of 26 sites. The survey and testing were done at the request of Sunchase Estrella Limited Partnership, owners of the land containing the sites. The archaeological testing was conducted under a testing plan (SWCA 1998) that outlined specific strategies for each of the thirteen sites based upon a set of research issues developed for the area.

The thirteen sites subjected to testing include ten of prehistoric age, and three of historic origin. Of the prehistoric sites, surface artifact scatters accounted for seven of the ten sites; the remaining three also contained rock clusters and/or fire cracked rock. Two of the historic sites were homesteads, and the third was a cattle watering area. Testing methods included surface artifact collection, the excavation of 1 x 1 m units, backhoe trenches, and detailed site mapping. The historic sites were also investigated through archival investigations of numerous public records and documents. Limited collection of isolated occurrences recorded during the surveys was also undertaken. Isolated occurrences that were deemed relevant to one or more of the research issues pertaining to the project were collected.

One of the sites investigated, AZ T:11:80 (ASM), was found to contain significant deposits. Further archaeological work is recommended for this site. The remaining twelve sites were not found to be significant; no further work is recommended for these sites.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Contributor(s): John D. Goodman II; James Potter; Ron F. Ryden; Pat Stein; Michael Stubing; Mary-Ellen Walsh Anduze

Prepared By(s): SWCA Environmental Consultants

Submitted To(s): Sunchase Estrella Limited Partnership

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