Archaeologists uncover previously undetected trench near Presidio; artifacts suggest 17th-century military use

Archaeologists reported the discovery of a previously undocumented, roughly 23-meter-long trench feature near the historic Presidio area during a progress excavation reported to the City of Santa Fe Archaeological Review Committee on May 22. The monitoring team found the feature cut into older deposits with a stepped ramp at one end and a short staircase at the other. Pottery and stone artifacts recovered from the fill include square-based ceramic forms and lithic fragments identified by project specialists as, in at least some instances, French gunflints — material the presenter said is consistent with 17th‑century military contexts. Project staff told the committee the trench produces a strong ground‑penetrating radar (GPR) signature and could be followed farther along Grand Avenue. Committee members and the project lead stressed caution and documentation. A project archaeologist told the committee the fill in parts of the trench appears to be mixed construction and demolition material in later contexts, but the lower, hand‑excavated deposits contained diagnostic items linking the feature to early colonial occupation. The committee discussed short‑term measures to protect the feature during work and longer‑term preservation options. One city official described a leading option as backfilling the feature and compacting the fill so the trench remains preserved below ground while the site is stabilized for future treatment. Why it matters: The feature lies in an area of high archaeological sensitivity next to known historic Presidio remains. If the trench indeed dates to the 17th century and is connected with early defensive or drainage works associated with the Presidio, it would expand understanding of early colonial occupation and could affect how nearby development and landscape work proceed. Committee direction and next steps: Committee members requested more mapping and correlation with historic maps and GPR lines, and asked staff to coordinate with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Museum of New Mexico on documentation and treatment options. The presenter said museum curators and specialists have been consulted and that the team will continue controlled excavation in targeted sections while preparing a preservation plan for review. The committee did not take a formal vote on treatment at the hearing; members recommended additional documentary research, cross‑section drawings of the feature, and consultation on how to balance preservation with the site owner’s programmatic needs.