Archaeological Investigations at Christopher Columbus Park, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona

Summary

In 2003, Desert Archaeology prepared a Phase 1 Data Recovery plan for the City of Tucson for the two prehistoric sites within Christopher Columbus Park (Swartz 2003). The park development project was subsequently transferred to Pima County, and the initial Master Plan was prepared. Implementation of Phase 1 Data Recovery was in late 2004, to address extensive recreational use of the previously undeveloped portions of the park. The purpose of Phase 1 Data Recovery (Project Director Ellen Ruble), was to determine the extent and distribution of subsurface cultural features at the two prehistoric sites and to obtain information about when the sites were occupied. The two historic sites within the project area were given site designations and investigated as part of the Phase 1 effort. The canal was evaluated and mapped in detail, and archival research was conducted on the homestead. Initial results were incorporated into the planning process, and options for avoiding impacts and preserving portions of the sites were explored. The Phase 1 results were presented in an interim report (Ruble 2005b), and are incorporated into Chapter 2 of this report. Based on Phase 1 results, no further investigations were recommended for the two Historic era sites. The canal has been thoroughly documented and researched, and substantial segments will be preserved within the park. The homestead will not be affected by planned park development. A Phase 2 Data Recovery research design and work plan were proposed for AA:12:96 and AA:12:105 (Ruble 2005b).

Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 Data Recovery results are included here; however, they are addressed separately based on different goals and outcomes of the two phases. Phase 1 was intended to provide exploratory information about the expansion area as a whole, as well as to define the limits of cultural resources within the park. Results of Phase 1 at sites AA:12:96, Loci A, B, and C, and AA:12:105 indicated the presence of subsurface features dating to the Early Agricultural period. It also documented subsequent occupations in the Early Ceramic period and the Hohokam sequence. Initial geomorphological investigations identified ancient and more recent alluvial fan surfaces that place the occupations of the sites in a specific temporal and environmental context.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: -800 to 50 (Early/Late Cienega Phase)

Calendar Date: -930 to -810 (San Pedro/Early Cienega Phase)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Contributor(s): Jenny L. Adams; Patricia Castalia; Owen K. Davis; Michael W. Diehl; William H. Doelle; James M. Heidke; Gary Huckleberry; Jonathan B. Mabry; John McClelland; Ellen C. Ruble; R. Jane Sliva; Jennifer A. Waters; Helga Wocherl

Prepared By(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Submitted To(s): Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation

Record Identifiers

Arizona Antiquities Act (AAA) project-specific permit no.(s): 2004-106ps

Accession Number(s): 2004-1060

Pima County Contract No. (s): 07-73-D-135157-0904

File Information