Archaeological investigations at the Gresser house (41 BX 369) San Antonio, Texas

During March 1977, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted archaeological investigations at the historic Gresser House located on the northwest corner at the intersection of South Presa and Nueva Streets in the historic district of downtown San Antonio (Fig. 1). The investigations were designed to examine building foundation remains which were uncovered during renovation work being carried out at the Gresser House. These were continued investigations following recommendations made by Anne Fox, who did an initial examination of structural remains and associated animal bones and artifacts uncovered by workmen after the removal of a small brick structure attached to the Gresser House. The archaeological work was done under contract between the Center for Archaeological Research (UTSA) and the San Antonio Conservation Society, Mrs. Barbara G. Luckett, Chairman of Gresser-Hays House, letter dated March 10, 1977. The field work was done by James E. Ivey, assisted by Lynn Highley, under the general supervision of Dr. Thomas R. Hester, Director, and Mr. Jack D. Eaton, Assistant Director, the Center for Archaeological Research. The investigations described in this report followed standard archaeological procedures. Soils tested were passed through 1/4-inch mesh screens for retention of artifacts and other diagnostic materials. Collected artifacts were processed in the Center Laboratory and all field and laboratory notes are on file at the Center for Archaeological Research.