Book Description

This report summarizes the results of systematic Class III (100%) archaeological survey of three (3) parcels proposed as alternative facilities for construction of an Immigration and Naturalization Service facility. These parcels are situated in northwestern El Paso, TX, and aggregate a total of 141 acres. A total of three archaeological sites, two dating to the late nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries and a third dating to the late prehistoric period, were found. Parcel #1 (58.5 acres) contains 54 isolated occurrences and two archaeological sites. The first site, 41EP5525, is a historic twentieth century trash dump consisting of multiple dumping episodes and dating to 1940-1950. These remains appear to be the result of indiscriminate, informal trash dumping over many years. The second site, 41EP5526, consists of a low-density prehistoric artifact scatter. There was no surface evidence of structures or other features. The site's assemblage consists primarily of undifferentiated El Paso brownwares and a single decorated shert dating to A.D. 1074-1400. Parcel #2 (40 acres) contains 59 isolated occurrences and a single historic site. The historic site, 41EP5526, is a twentieth century trash dump containing low density surface artifacts. Most of these remains were deposited between 1890-1920. Finally, Parcel #3 (40 acres) contains six isolated occurrences and no prehistoric or archaeological sites. All sites were subject to systematic, intensive in-field recording of artifacts; detailed analyses are presented in this report. Based on this recording effort, the data potential of all three sites has been exhausted. Accordingly, no further mitigation measures are recommended for any of these three sites.