An archaeological survey of tributary channel to Aransas Pass, Texas

In early August, 1975, the Center for Archaeological Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio, carried out an appraisal of archaeological and historical resources in certain areas along the Gulf Intracoastal Haterway Tributary Channel to Aransas Pass, Texas. The work was done under the terms of a contract (DACW64-76-M-0040) between The University of Texas at San Antonio and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District. The Corps of Engineers proposes to modify the present tributary channel to Aransas Pass through a program of dredging which will both widen and deepen the channel in Nueces and San Patricio Counties. As a result of the proposed dredging operations, several areas adjacent to the tributary channel will be affected by the disposal of dredged material. Therefore, the investigations by the Center were designed to determine if archaeological and/or historical resources existed within those areas which were to be affected. 1n accordance with Corps of Engineers specifications, the Center had the further responsibilities of evaluating the significance and importance of such resources, of ascertaining the potential effects of dredging and disposal activities on the resources, and of recommending means of mitigating damage or destruction of such resources. The specific survey areas consisted of six localities, each of which may be utilized for spoil disposal. These were: (1) an area of 120 acres on the northwest portion of South Harbor Island, adjacent to a private channel; (2) 95 acres near, and southvlest of, Texas Higln.;ray 361 on central South Harbor Island; (3) 120 acres on North Harbor Island, adjacent to the Lydia Ann Channel; (4) an area of 35 acres jus teas t of Aransas Pass and adj acent to the Conn Brmffi Harbor Turning Basin; (5) 75 acres east of Aransas Pass, betVleen Redfish Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and north of Texas Highway 361; and (6) 60 acres on and adjacent to Stedman Island, and south of Texas Highway 361. In all, a total of 505 acres was surveyed.