An initial archaeological assessment of areas proposed for modification at Fort McIntosh, Webb County, Texas

From April 4 to 11, 1977, archaeologists from The University of Texas at San Antonio, Center for Archaeological Research, visited the site of Fort McIntosh (41 WE 11), presently occupied by the Laredo Junior College, Laredo, Texas. The purpose of the visit was to conduct four days of on-the-ground survey and limited testing in the southwestern area of the Fort Site where construction of college athletic facilities is planned. This area lies between the college campus and the bank of the Rio Grande. The survey was designed to determine, if possible, what archaeological and historical resources remain in the proposed development area (Fig. 1). The survey was conducted under formal contract between the Laredo Junior College (Dr. Domingo Arechiga, President) and The University of Texas at San Antonio, Center for Archaeological Research. Fieldwork was done under the supervision of Dr. Thomas R. Hester, Center Director, and Mr. Jack D. Eaton, Research Associate. The field crew consisted of James Ivey, crew chief and archaeologist, and Thomas Medlin, crew member and military historian. The archaeological assessment began by a surface survey of the area proposed for modification. The survey team searched for surface artifacts, noted zones of artifact concentrations, and recorded structural remains and road traces. Artifacts were collected and bagged separately according to defined areas, and traces of structural remains, when observed, were noted for possible subsurface testing. To aid in an understanding of what was found during the survey, and to support the interpretations of those finds, a brief outline of the history of Fort McIntosh is provided. This is followed by a description of the collected artifacts and structural remains noted. The results of subsurface testing are presented, and an assessment of the archaeological situation, based upon the field studies and literary research, is given. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are presented.