Phase 1 Archaeological Testing Report and Phase 2 Data Recovery Proposal for the ADOT Sycamore Creek Project, Tonto Basin, Arizona

Summary

This report presents the results of the Phase 1 testing of seven prehistoric archaeological sites falling within the proposed right-of-way for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Sycamore Creek Project, within the Tonto Basin, Gila County, central Arizona. The project is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and occurs on Arizona Department of Transportation right-of-way across Tonto National Forest land. The seven tested sites include a late Preclassic pithouse village [AZ U:3:275 (ASM)/AR-03-12- 06-1373]; four early Classic period residential compound sites [AZ U:3:273 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06-1376; AZ U:3:276 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06-202; AZU:3:277 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06-203; and AZU:3:278 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06- 204]; and two Classic period artifact scatters, one with architecture [AZ U:3:274 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06-1374] and one without [AZ U:3:279 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06 1375]. The nature of the project, its location within the Tonto Basin, the local environment, the regional culture history, the sites within the project boundaries, and the preliminary research design are all described. Results of testing are presented, including the positions of the sites within the project area, the methods used to test each site, and the contents and condition of each site as revealed by the testing. Features encountered at each are briefly described, along with the artifact assemblages. The results of testing are evaluated, and a recommendation is made that further work be conducted at only four sites: the late Preclassic pithouse village [AZ U:3:275 (ASM)/AR- 03-12-06-1373] and three of the early Classic period residential compound sites [AZ U:3:273 (ASM) /AR-03- 12-06-1376; AZ U:3:276 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06-202; and AZ U:3:277 (ASM)/AR-03-12-06 203]. A research design, implementation strategy, and plan of work are presented for Phase 2 data recovery investigations at these sites.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

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

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1000 to 1150 (Occupation)

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Desert Archaeology, Inc.

Contributor(s): James M. Heidke; Christine E. Geotze

Prepared By(s): Center for Desert Archaeology

Submitted To(s): Arizona Department of Transportation

Record Identifiers

Contract No.(s): 93-05

File Information