Archaeological Testing of Resources Within the Shafter Historic Mining District US Highway 67, Presidio County, Texas

摘要

Improvements to US 67 in Shafter, Presidio County, Texas, will affect three cultural areas within existing or proposed right-of-way. These areas include (1) a small early twentieth century dump designated Site 41PS344, (2) Site 41PS109 which comprises two small associated historic structures, and (3) a relatively recent concrete slab. Site 41PS344 lies to the southwest and outside of the Shafter Historic Mining District, while Site 41PS109 and the concrete slab are located within the boundaries of the Historic District. Testing operations to determine the eligibility of these sites on an individual basis for inclusion within the National Register of Historic Places were undertaken in August 1981. Testing operations consisted of surveying the right-of-way area, mapping, and test excavations. The small dump and the concrete slab proved to be of no archaeological or historical significance and do not meet the criteria for inclusion within the National Register of Historic Places. Site 41PS109 consists of a structure built of masonry rubble which contains an archaeological deposit up to 80 cm in depth within its walls and does meet the criteria for inclusion within the National Register of Historic Places. Full excavation and documentation of this structure is recommended. The associated feature comprising Site 41PS109 is a dugout excavated into limestone bedrock.