Archaeological investigations in the courtyard of Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción Acuna (41BX12)

Archaeological investigations took place in the courtyard of Mission Concepción between 2002 and 2005 in order to identify remnant architectural remains of Spanish Colonial structures prior to the installation of a drainage system. Archaeological investigations were performed under the auspices of two field schools held by the Department of Anthropology’s Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The Center’s Legacy Public Outreach Program also held a field school as part of these investigations. Archival documents indicate that the granary and another structure, possibly the community storeroom or corridor, occupied the courtyard. Investigations in the courtyard uncovered several foundations or architectural alignments that may represent remnants of these structures. Excavations within the said granary area revealed disturbances derived from utilities installations and the construction of a restroom facility during the 1940s. A trash pit containing artifacts dating to the late 1800s early 1900s was uncovered near the northwest corner inside the granary foundations. Test units excavated between the granary and convento situated west of the granary identified three features. East of the granary, high densities of Spanish Colonial ceramics and a plastered surface were exposed. The archaeological investigations were conducted under the Texas Antiquities Permit 2820 with Dr. Steve A. Tomka serving as Principal Investigator. All artifacts collected during this project and all project-associated documentation is permanently curated at the Center for Archaeological Research according to Texas Historical Commission guidelines.