Search

During late 1991 through mid-1992, Archaeological Research Services, Inc., performed archaeological evaluation and limited test excavation activities at seven Hohokam sites. These sites are located partially within four intersection improvement areas along State Route 87 north of Mesa in Maricopa County, Arizona (USGS Mesa, Ariz. 7.5' 1952/1982; USGS Sawik Mountain, Ariz. 7.5' 1964/1982). The Arizona Department of Transportation requested that Archaeological Research Services perform the work in anticipation of Project F- 053-1-521 (TRACS #087 MA 178 H2729 01 C). The improvement areas occur within an existing highway right-of-away easement crossing Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community lands. These areas total less than 6.9 acres. Archaeological Research Services evaluated the sites in order to determine if project activities would have negative impacts upon previously identified archaeological remains. Additionally, data recovery investigations were performed at sites subject to negative impacts

During July 28 through August 2, 1991, Archaeological Research Services, Inc., performed a cultural resources survey within the State Route 87 right-of-way between mileposts 177.86 and 188.78. This 10.92 mile long by 200 ft wide survey corridor crosses Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land between McDowell Road and Shea Boulevard north of Mesa in Maricopa County, Arizona (U.S.G.S. Mesa, Ariz. 7.5' 1967/1972/1973; U.S.G.S. Sawik Mountain, Ariz. 7.5' 1964/1982; U.S.G.S. Granite Reef Dam, Ariz. 7.5' 1964). This project area encompasses approximately 264.7 acres. The Arizona Department of Transportation requested the survey in anticipation of routine maintenance activities and the proposed improvement of four intersections (at Center Street, Mesa Drive, Horne Road, and Gilbert Road) along the highway. ARS performed the survey in order to locate and record cultural resources which could be disturbed during the proposed highway improvement activities. The data reviewed and recorded during the study are used in the following report to evaluate each reported cultural resource, and serve as the basis from which recommended resource management actions are derived. As a result of the survey, ARS located and recorded seventeen archaeological sites, nine of which have been previously recorded, and 64 isolated artifact or feature occurrences. The nine previously recorded sites define one prehistoric canal, five prehistoric habitations, two prehistoric surface scatters of artifacts, and one prehistoric and historic habitation/surface scatter of artifacts. The eight newly recorded sites define one prehistoric habitation, five prehistoric surface scatters of artifacts, and two prehistoric and historic surface scatters of artifacts. Each of the seventeen sites is eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Sites which are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register should be avoided during proposed highway improvement activities. If avoidance is not possible, the sites should be subjected to additional study for the purpose of recovering National Register data values, or to assess the significance of the potential National Register-eligible and traditional sites. Additional study may include surface collection of artifacts, excavation, and documentary research. The 64 isolated artifact or feature occurrences do not represent important cultural resources, with the exception of Isolates 42 and 56 which are memorial crosses, and do not warrant further study, or protection under any federal cultural preservation program. Isolates 42 and 56 should be avoided during proposed highway improvement activities,; however, if this is not possible, ADOT should discuss with the person(s) who erected each memorial, options for the relocation of each feature. Based upon the results of the current study, archaeological clearance is not recommended for those segments of the State Route 87 right-of-way associated with cultural resources eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register, or Isolates 42 and 56. Archaeological clearance is recommended for the remaining portions of the study area.