The Chaco Great North Road: Archaeological Survey and Ceramic Analysis by the San Juan Valley Archaeological Project

Abstract

Research by Cynthia Irwin-Williams and the San Juan Valley Archaeological Project during the 1970s included investigations at Salmon Pueblo, near modern Bloomfield, NM. Interest focused on the construction and early occupation by immigrants from Chaco Canyon. Research also included the 80 km Great North Road, which joined Pueblo Alto at the southern end with Salmon Pueblo at the northern terminus. In order to investigate the North Road, Pierre Morenon conducted an intensive foot survey of the road trajectory and associated features. A large ceramic collection from the road and nearby sites was analyzed by Hayward Franklin. Pottery types dated mostly from 1050 to 1130 CE. A typical assemblage of decorated and utility pottery came northward from Chaco Canyon centers. Smaller amounts of northern San Juan pottery also occurred, signifying transport of ceramics and other goods southward from outliers at Salmon and Aztec Pueblos.