The Dos Republicas Project: Phase II archaeological investigations at a proposed coal strip mine, Maverick County, Texas

Abstract

During February and March 1992, the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted an intensive investigation of a proposed coal strip mine near Eagle Pass, Maverick County, Texas. Twenty-seven previously unrecorded archaeological sites were discovered and several that were recorded in 1981 were reexamined. Postulated cultural affiliations include the Late Paleo-Indian, Middle-to-Late Archaic, Late Prehistoric, and Historic periods. Eight sites were found to be particularly significant because of their potential for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designation as state archeological landmarks. After review of the results of the investigation by the project sponsors; the Texas Historical Commission, Department of Antiquities Protection; and the Railroad Commission of Texas, 29 additional sites within the coal mine permit area were deemed worthy of future work. A general research outline for future work and comprehensive environmental, historical, and cultural contexts for the area investigated are also presented.