The archaeology and history of Spanish colonial mining efforts in Central Texas

Date

1995-12

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

Based on the results of initial investigations in East Deep Creek and Honey Creek, research plans were changed to include an investigation of Los Almagres. In the original research plan, Los Almagres was to be examined only as a supplement to the discovery and investigation of prospecting camps. Since no campsites were foxmd during the initial survey effort, the focus of the investigation had to be changed. The revised strategy involved extended surveys in the Honey Creek area and test excavations at Los Almagres. I also decided to concentrate on Honey Creek Valley (as it is known locally) because Spanish exploration in the area is recorded in the archival documents. It is unknown if the Spanish reached the areas as far north as East Deep Creek and Babyhead. It is possible that explorations continued north from Los Almagres. However, the archaeological evidence for Spanish Colonial activity in these areas would be as scant as it is at Los Almagres. The expeditions into this area were characterized by small groups of people with few material possessions who occupied the region for short periods of time.

In order to gain a better understanding of the Spanish prospecting activity in the Central Mineral Region, the political and cxdtural contexts of Spanish Colonial activities must be addressed. First, it is important to study the nature of the Spanish empire in the Americas. What were the objectives of the viceroyalty? What were the motivating factors behind Spanish Colonial expansion into Texas?

Also important is the settlement pattem followed by the Spanish colonizers once the government laid claim to the Province of Texas. These issues include: (1) the locations of the first settlements in Texas, (2) the objectives of these settlements, (3) problems faced by the colonizers, and (4) expansion of the settlement areas.

Description

Keywords

Spain, Gold mines and mining, San Sabá Mission, Archaeological surveying

Citation