Archaeological Investigations at Travis Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

In February 2014 and under contracted with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department (SAPRD), the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) conducted archaeological investigations prior to improvements within Travis Park in central San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Given the historic significance of the park, the CAR focused investigations in areas slated for subsurface impacts as well as the monitoring of some improvements-related activities. The investigations were carried out under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 6779 with Dr. Steve Tomka serving as the Principal Investigator; however, Dr. Raymond Mauldin took over the role of Principal Investigator in April 2014. Antonia Figueroa served as the Project Archaeologist, and Preston Beecher was the field leader. Proposed improvements in Travis Park that required archaeological work included: 1) the installation of a concrete slab to be located in the dog-run area measuring 15-x-2.5 m and accompanying sidewalks; and 2) the installation of electrical and water lines. The archaeological fieldwork included the excavation of 55 shovel tests. Prehistoric and historic material were recovered from shovel testing efforts on the western and southern portions of the park. This area of the park was assigned site trinomial 41BX2142. Though some of the APE has been impacted by utilities, the presence of cultural material was intact in some areas. Although there was a lack of features and a low density of artifacts, monitoring is recommended if these areas of the park are impacted in future endeavors. Artifacts collected and records generated during this project were prepared for curation according to Texas Historical Commission guidelines and are permanently curated at the CAR at UTSA.