A Cultural Resource Survey of Reach 3 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct, Central Arizona Project

Under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Office of Cultural Resource Management (OCRM), Department of Anthropology, Arizona State University, completed an archaeological survey of Reach 3. Reach 3 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct extends about 15 miles from Highway 72, northwest of Vicksburg, southeast to Hovatter Road, south of Interstate 10.
This report describes the results of the archaeological surveys conducted along Reach 3 of the Granite Reef Aqueduct. Results suggest that the project area was part of a secondary resource zone, an area which apparently did not support a permanent population, but was utilized intermittently, probably on a seasonal basis. The aqueduct traverses the eastern margin of the Ranegras Plain, skirting the western edge of the Little Harquahala Mountains.
Twenty-one field loci, 13 isolated artifacts, and several instances of historic mining and trash were recorded during the initial Reach 3 survey. One additional field locus and 5 additional isolated artifacts were identified during a supplemental survey. Based on relative density of cultural material dispersion, the majority of the field loci were grouped into seven sites: AZ S:5:1 (ASU); AZ S:6:1 (ASU), possibly previously recorded as AZ S:6:2 (ASM); AZ S:6:2 (ASU); AZ S:6:3 (ASU), previously recorded as AZ S:6:4 (ASM) and AZ S:6:5 (ASM); AZ S:6:4 (ASU), possibly previously recorded as AZ S:6:5 (ASM); AZ S:6:5 (ASU), previously recorded as AZ S:6:6 (ASM); and AZ S:6:6 (ASU). Most of the sites are of indeterminate age, although they are likely associated with the Patayan or Yuman traditions. One site, AZ S:6:5 (ASU), consists of historic bunkers likely used in military training maneuvers.