Cultural Resources Inventory at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, San Patricio County, Texas

Abstract

At the request of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Cultural Resources Program, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University-San Marcos conducted a cultural resources inventory at Lake Corpus Christi State Park, San Patricio County, Texas. Field investigations were conducted between June 7 and 18, 2010, under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 5652. Carole Leezer served as Principal Investigator, and the field crew of consisted of Julian A. Sitters, Robert Z. Selden Jr., Sarah Scogin, and Jacob Hooge. CAS archaeologists conducted a pedestrian survey and excavated 128 shovel test units within the 368-acre project area. This cultural resources inventory identified and evaluated five previously recorded sites (41SP116, 41SP178, 41SP202, 41SP227, and 41SP228), two newly recorded sites (41SP234 and 41SP235), and three possible Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) features (a water tower, a culvert, and a road segment). Investigations were conducted with the goal of determining eligibility status for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and designation as a State Archeological Landmark (SAL). Resulting data will also be used by TPWD to address long-term stewardship and management of the resources, and to augment a detailed resource management plan for Lake Corpus Christi State Park. Additional testing investigations are recommended for sites 41SP178, 41SP228, and 41SP234 to aid in the determination of eligibility for NRHP/SAL nomination. Site 41SP227 is recommended for SAL status due to the high likelihood of current and future vandalism and looting at this site. The potential for the newly identified CCC features to be recommended for NRHP nomination and for listing as an SAL is currently unknown.