Archaeological research at the Hinojosa site (41 JW 8), Jim Wells County, southern Texas

In March 1975, personnel of the Center for Archaeological Research conducted an intensive survey of site 41 JW 8 (the Hinojosa site), Jim Wells County, in southern Texas. These investigations were the result of an agreement between the Center and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Conservation Service (SCS) (purchase order no. TX-l102-75). Earlier research at the site had consisted of a preliminary surface survey, the results of which were published by Hester and Bass (1974). In their report, recommendations were made for an intensive survey of the site, to include site mapping, intensive surface collecting, and test excavations. A major objective of this program of investigation was to better evaluate the site in terms of its potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (it was nominated by the State Review Board on January 23, 1976; letter from John W. Clark, Jr. to T. R. Hester). It was not known at that time whether the site would be affected by the construction and subsequent impoundment of waters related to proposed Floodwater Retarding Structure No. 5 (Revised) to be built downstream on Chiltipin Creek (Hester and Bass 1974:1-2). Thus, during the period of March 13-19, 1975, a field team directed by Feris A. Bass, Jr. (Research Associate of the Center) conducted archaeological studies at the site. Following the conclusion of the fieldwork, a preliminary report was submitted to the SCS office in Temple, Texas (letter from T. R. Hester to Logan Crews, April 22, 1975).