Archaeology of the Planned Location of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Abstract

The project included the reconnaissance of over 500 acres of the project area, the excavation of 376 shovel tests, 250 mechanical auger borings, and 42 backhoe and Gradall trenches. The backhoe and Gradall trenches were dug for geoarchaeological investigations and in one instance to search for a presumed historic cemetery. Reassessment for National Register of Historic Places and State Archeological Landmark status was conducted for 16 previously documented archaeological sites (41BX125, 41BX349, 41BX652, 41BX653, 41BX654, 41BX655, 41BX656, 41BX657, 41BX658, 41BX659, 41BX660, 41BX661, 41BX662, 41BX676, 41BX681, and 41BX832) and five newly identified sites (41BX1571-41BX1575). Of the 21 sites examined during this project, 12 are prehistoric, seven are historic and two have both prehistoric and historic components. The prehistoric sites are lithic and burned rock scatters, possibly the remnants of campsites. Diagnostic artifacts found in previous surveys indicate Archaic and Late Prehistoric time frames. The historic sites present are farmstead-ranch complexes including residential structures and outbuildings. Also encountered were tenant farmer residences and a small brick kiln. The historic components are primarily late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century, although original surveys noted early-nineteenth-century artifacts. All artifacts collected are curated at the Center for Archaeological Research laboratory facility.

Intensive Pedestrian Survey of the Phase II Portion of the Medina River Park Trail, Bexar County, Texas

“…The project area is situated on the southern banks of the Medina River. The Medina River originates in Bandera County within the Edwards Plateau region and continues southeast into the Balcones Escarpment where it joins with the San Antonio River (Greaves et al 2004).…”

“…In 1981 and1984, CAR conducted archaeological investigations as part of the Applewhite Reservoir Project (McGraw and Hindes 1987). Portions of this area were re-examined in 2003 in preparation for the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant (Greaves et al 2004;. The Medina River Park project was also conducted in the vicinity by CAR in 2003 (Figueroa and Tomka 2004).…”

“…(Greaves et al 2004:84). When CAR revisited the site in 2003, all features recorded in 1984 had been removed with the exception of the structure (Greaves et al 2004). In 2003, CAR had not recommended the site for official designation as a SAL nor for nomination to the NRHP.…”

“…Site 41BX830 will not be crossed by the trail but is just northeast of the proposed corridor. It is a multi-component site with a prehistoric and historical component (Adovasio and Green 2003:292 (Greaves et al 2004). Erosion had impacted the site and it was recommended as not eligible for designation as a SAL or listing to the NRHP.…”