Archaeological Monitoring for Fiber Optic Cable in Multiple Locations near Downtown San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

From September of 2019 through June of 2020, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at the University of Texas at San Antonio conducted archaeological monitoring of multiple areas near downtown San Antonio in response to a request from Future Telecom, Inc. (now Future Infrastructure). The excavations were conducted in order to install fiber optic cable for 5G internet service, and were primarily located in City of San Antonio (COSA) right-of-way property. At a municipal level, the project falls under COSA's Unified Development Code. The project also falls under the Antiquities Code of Texas. CAR obtained THC Permit No. 9060 prior to the commencement of monitoring. Antonia Figueroa served as Project Archaeologist until September of 2019, when Leonard Kemp took over that role after her departure from the CAR. Dr. Paul Shawn Marceaux served as the Principal Investigator until November of 2019, when Sarah Wigley assumed that role after his departure from the CAR. In total, 79 pits and seven trenches distributed over six project areas were excavated during the course of this project. The eight project areas encompassed 119 ha (295 acres). The areas where monitoring was conducted were targeted by the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation due to the potential impact of cultural resources. Specific areas of concern included impact to San Pedro Park (41BX19), the San Pedro Acequia (41BX337), the Upper Labor Acequia (41BX1273), the Alazán Acequia (41BX620), and the potential location of the Battle of Alazán Creek. However, no cultural features or new archaeological sites were documented during the course of this project, and no artifacts were collected. Evidence of disturbance by utilities and other construction throughout the project areas was extensive, and if portions of these sites were present within the project areas they have likely been heavily disturbed unless they are deeply buried. The CAR does not recommend further work. All project related materials will be permanently curated at the CAR in accordance with THC guidelines.