An archaeological and geomorphological investigation of Northrup Park, Boerne, Kendall County, Texas

Abstract

The Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) of The University of Texas at San Antonio contracted with the city of Boerne, Texas, to conduct a pedestrian survey with limited shovel and backhoe testing of 103 acres of raw land planned for development as a city park in south Kendall County. The purpose of the survey was to identify archaeological sites visible on the surface and areas with potential for buried sites. Seven prehistoric sites were found and recorded. A plan of avoidance was recommended for all sites; however, the proposed construction plan could not be altered to accommodate both the needs of the city and the avoidance of all the archaeological sites. Therefore, with the concurrence of the Texas Historical Commission, 41KE141, 41KE142, 41KE143, 41KE144, 41KE145, and 41KE127 were 100-percent surface collected, and additional shovel tests were excavated at all but 41KE143. As the shovel tests revealed no cultural material, CAR recommends that Boerne be allowed to proceed with development of the park as planned. Site 41KE146 will not be impacted by the current project as planned; however, CAR recommends that further testing be conducted at the site prior to any furutre construction activities within the site boundaries.