An archaeological survey for the Conquista Project of the Nieschwietz-Bodden properties, Karnes County, Texas

In December 1979 the Conquista Project of Conoco, Inc. contracted with the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR), The University of Texas at San Antonlo (UTSA) to conduct an archaeological survey of 437 acres in Karnes County, Texas. Approximately 2 miles south of Falls City (Fig. 1), this survey involved the Bodden (134 acres) and Nieschwietz (303 acres) properties. The planned uranium operations would create disturbance to any archaeological sltes. A preliminary assessment was needed for the location and description of all archaeological resources, with recommendations for their future protection or mitigation. Thomas C. Kelly and Erwin Roemer of the CAR-UTSA staff, working with Conquista representatives Morris Merritt and Gary Guy, conducted the field survey under the overall supervision of Thomas R. Hester, Director, and Jack D. Eaton, Associate Director, of the Center for Archaeological Research. Field work was substantially completed in two person days, although Roemer later revisited the area. Procedures standard to small surveys of this nature were followed. The area was first considered through map study and an examination of previous research in this region. Next, an on-location inspection was made by vehicle, and boundaries were determined. Final surface examination took place by walking over the properties in an informal transect manner, which involved zigzag patterns across cultivated fields or along minor drainages. The area was intensively examined, and general area and site photographs were taken. Favorable visibility, due partially to sparse winter ground cover, substantially aided examination.