Long Barrack Archaeology Update - April 26

Archaeologists worked in four excavation units this week- EUs 8, 10, 14, and 19- and EU-15 was idle. EUs 14 and 19 are new units that were started this week.

In EU-8, archaeologists reached a depth of approximately 90 cm below surface. Archaeologists encountered a compacted caliche surface that extended into multiple levels. Additionally, two soil types were identified- the caliche-rich surface deposit and also a clay-mottled deposit. The clay-mottled deposit was restricted to the northern section of the unit. Artifact density remains high in this unit, with several ceramic fragments. A large, broken lead glaze rim sherd, likely Galera ware, was recovered in level 8 (100-110 cmbd).

Archaeologists in EU-10 excavated to an approximate depth of 110 cm below surface. A thick (approximately 20 cm) compact caliche deposit, likely a prepared surface, was present in this unit. The deposit extended across the entire unit, only truncated by the previously identified limestone alignment. The deposit had a very low artifact density, however the artifacts that were present were quite exciting. A Guerrero point (dates to 1700s) and large Valero ware sherd (1700-1825) were recovered from the deposit, indicating this is a Mission Era surface.

Archaeologists began excavations in EU-14 this week. The top levels of this unit, approximately 40-60 cm, are modern landscaping fill. A depth of approximately 40 cm below surface was reached by the end of the week. Due to the recent deposition of the landscaping fill artifacts include modern materials.

Excavations in EU-19 also began this week. As with EU-14 archaeologists encountered the modern landscaping fill and were still within this deposit by the end of the week. While most material was modern, some older artifacts indicated a mixed deposit.