By Jean Cross

Before the roaring and scraping of backhoes, bulldozers and other earth moving equipment leveled the area once known as Jackass Flats for the StoneRidge Development, Crews leveled select areas of the region to unearth the remains of previous dwellings. These were the habitation sites of the prehistoric people who chose this wind-swept plateau as their domain. It was an ideal location as the necessities of life were readily available here: water, game, and wood. So the "living was easy", or as easy as it could be in the prehistoric times.

Archaeologists conducted their work during a two-year period between 2001 and 2003. It was determined that the area had been in use by natives as far back as 4000 BC. However no permanent habitations were found until a period dating around 2000 BC and these were devoid of any pottery. 

Prior to the actual work of uncovering the remains of these civilizations, archaeologist Banks Leonard and his crew conducted a careful surface survey of the area. This was done to determine the most likely locations of prehistoric cultural material in order to expedite the work of recording the early human occupations in an area. In cases where significant archaeological sites are found, public law requires developers to "mitigate" such sites to capture information about these human life ways before they are lost to the processes of development. 

Within the designated area, researchers found historic evidence of mining and ranching during the 19th century. The abandoned and decayed ruins of the Rigo and Valento ranch buildings can still be found. A masonry chicken coop stands as evidence of the variety of foods produced by early ranchers to supply the needs of a growing area, as well as the military post at Fort Whipple. Mine shafts and pits were also uncovered, testifying to the diversity of land use during this pioneer era. 

But the main focus of this exploratory work was the recording and retrieval of prehistoric Indian material. Upon completion of the surface survey, the archaeologists began a more concentrated effort in promising locations. This phase of the work involved recording petroglyphs, pit houses, rock alignments, burials, roasting pits, and other artifacts. From these, information concerning the life of early inhabitants was extracted and an account compiled to add to the rich history of our region. 

The researchers determined this period of Prescott Valley history began about 700AD and spanned about 500 years. During this time, people built pit houses consisting of a depression in the ground, encircled with posts set in holes and covered with vegetation and encased in mud. Entrances were through covered openings on one side. Within the structures were usually a fire pit, storage pits, deflector slabs, and other useful features. Outside these dwellings were roasting pits, terraced areas, as well as stone flakes, tools, pottery, pottery shards, ceramic implements, fetishes and grinding stones. 

The existence of pottery shards helps researchers date prehistoric sites in our area. It would seem that once the inhabitants became more sedentary, pottery became the utensil of choice for cooking and storing food. In a more nomadic culture pottery would have presented problems in the transporting of goods, as pottery is heavy, and easily broken. 

In order to complete their work on time, a backhoe "specialist" was employed to remove, with precision, layers of earth to allow the archaeologist access buried materials more expeditiously without disturbing them. This project is reportedly the single largest excavation in the Prescott area, and every means was employed to carry it out as carefully and completely as possible. Special effort was made to protect these sites. Site stewards have been engaged to monitor the sites, patrolling the area periodically. Stewards act as observers and deterrents to further vandalism 

The Prescott Valley Historical Society members and guests were privileged to attend a presentation by Leonard on the StoneRidge excavations during a recent meeting of the Society held at the StoneRidge Clubhouse--a location where some of the excavation took place. The audience could not help but experience an eerie sensation when they were told that they were sitting in an area once inhabited by prehistoric people. Present day inhabitants of the area should find the results of this project particularly interesting as they view the variety of uses of the land they now call home. One wonders what future generations will record of present day habitations and use of the land. 

(Jean Cross is president of the Prescott Valley Historical Society, if you are interested in the activities of the society, you are welcome to contact them at 778-9589) 



Sharlot Hall Museum Photograph Call Number:(inpr1410pc). Reuse only by permission.