Archaeological Studies for the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project, including Investigations at Guenther's Upper Mill (41BX342)

Abstract

Under Contract No. DACW63-81-C-0022 to the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, in the spring of 1981, conducted historic research and survey in the areas to be affected by the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project. In the summer of 1981, extensive archaeological testing and excavation were done to determine the extent of the structural remains on the sites of Guenther's Upper Mill and the Stribling House. In the spring and summer of 1982, the Center documented the removal and replacement of the mill's west wall. As a result of the investigations, it can now be affirmed that most of the foundation of the east section of the mill is still present beneath the ground. The main foundation walls are made of cut limestone and measure two feet in thickness, except for the west wall which is three feet thick. Of the other buildings at various times related to the mill, only portions of a late (ca. 1910) stone and cement foundation for the Reigler Creamery still remain in the ground. The survey revealed no other cultural resources to be affected by the project.