Exhumation of a Hero, Colonel Ben Milam, Milam Park Renovation, Phase I

Abstract

During the last part of 1992 and the beginning of 1993, archaeologists from the Center for Archaeological Research of The University of Texas at San Antonio monitored the initial stages of Phase I renovation and construction at Milam Park, New City Block 330. The work for this stage consisted of the removal of portions of an existing wall, ground preparation and leveling in the center of the park, construction of the footing for the new kiosk, and grading for a construction access ramp from Houston Street. Additionally, the excavation of three 4-x-20-ft backhoe trenches was monitored 1 in an attempt to establish the exact location of the grave of the Texas hero for whom the park is named, Col. Benjamin Milam. All work was stopped when evidence of a human burial was discovered. The exhumation, inspection, and temporary curation of the burial believed to be that of Benjamin Milam was subsequently completed under a revision of the existing Texas Antiquities Permit No. 1177.