Preliminary archaeological investigations of part of the San Pedro Acequia, San Antonio, Texas

Date

1979

Authors

Valdez, Fred
Eaton, Jack D.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Abstract

In April 1979, Mr. R. W. Miller, Director of Construction Management, General Services Administration (GSA), contacted the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, to request archaeological investigations of GSA property located south of the Old U.S. Arsenal, between South Flores Street and South Main Avenue in downtown San Antonio. The investiga-tions would be conducted to determine if the Spanish Colonial San Pedro Acequia (not to be confused with San Pedro Creek nearby) ran through the property as indicated on old maps; and if so, to locate it and describe its construction and condition. This information was needed so that the Acequia (ditch), if found in the area, could be avoided and protected during planned future developments. Early in June the Center was authorized to proceed with the investigations, and two archaeologists, with the aid of a backhoe, spent five days systematically testing the property. The Acequia was eventually found, but not precisely where it was indicated to be on available maps. Because time and funding allotted to do the investigations were nearly expended before a stone-lined portion of the Acequia was discovered, the tests were considered incomplete for detailed planning purposes. Therefore, this report will describe what was actually found and recommendations for continued investigations to more fully trace and record the Acequia. The current project was done under contract between the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and the General Services Administration (Mr. Miller, letter dated May 11, 1979). The field work was done by Fred Valdez, Jr., aided by James Escobedo, Technical Staff Assistants, under the supervision of Dr. Thomas R. Hester, Center Director and Jack D. Eaton, Assistant Director.

Description

Keywords

archaeological investigation, archaeology, Texas archaeology, San Pedro Acequia, San Antonio

Citation

Department