Arizona Trail

In January of 2004, archaeologists from Harris Environmental Group, Inc. (HEG) surveyed land destined to become part of the 790-mile-long Arizona Trail stretching across Arizona from Mexico to Utah. HEG surveyed three miles of the winding trail in nearly pristine desert east of Tucson and identified and recorded a prehistoric site. 

The site represents an area where tool production took place and probably dates to over 2,000 years ago.  Artifacts found at the site were mostly flaked-stone fragments left over from stone tool production. However, several particularly interesting artifacts were identified including an obsidian pebble – often known as “Apache Tears” – with evidence of flaking. Interestingly, several areas within the site contained concentrations of particularly tiny flakes indicative of the precise flaking and shaping used to manufacture formal tools.  These “chipping stations” may have been specific locations where projectile points and other tools were manufactured. The site also includes flakes of many different raw materials and may be able to provide information about where and how Archaic people in the area procured raw materials for tool-production. 

As a result of the survey, the trail was rerouted around the site, effectively preserving a potentially significant archaeological resource while promoting the main purpose of the trail which is to enable public access to places where the delicate balance between the presence of pristine natural and cultural resources and people seeking to support, maintain, and enjoy those resources remains intact. 

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