AZ-4049
February 27 - March 2, 2012
Must commit to full session
A projection of Forest Service land known as "The Thumb" is a long overlooked area of the Tonto National Forest. What little is known of the area suggests a prehistoric (ca. A.D. 800-1400) cultural frontier, with ties to the Hohokam, Anchan, Mogollon, Anasazi, and later Salado traditions. Historically, the area was home to the Apache Peaks band of the San Carlos Western Apache as well as later Euro-American mining and ranching. In the summer of 1882, "renegade" Apache jumped the San Carlos Reservation and began a raid that cut a swath of death and destruction through east-central Arizona. In the early morning of July 7, the small mining town of McMillenville was brutally assaulted. It was the first of many attacks in the region over a period of 11 days. The raiding ended on July 17 at the Battle of Big Dry Wash, wherein the Apache were defeated by the pursuing U.S. Cavalry.
During this PIT project, we will continue the documentation of historic McMillenville we began some years ago. As before, PIT volunteers and FS staff will survey the area looking for evidence of the Apache attack. We will use metal-detectors extensively to locate and record artifacts and to document the structures and features of the town.
If you own and can bring a metal-detector, please indicate it on your application. While this is certainly not a prerequisite for participation, we have fewer on hand than we'd like, so it would be extremely helpful during fieldwork! This has always been a very successful and fulfilling project, so we hope you will join us in February for Part IX!
Number of openings: 8
Special skills: Must be physically capable of hiking long distances each day over moderate to rough, steep terrain; previous experience with archaeological mapping, excavation and documentation skills, and/or the use of metal detectors helpful, but not required
Minimum age:12 years old, under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: FS Jones Water campground is located approximately 3 miles northeast of McMillenville; tents, pickup camper, and small camping trailers only in campsites; pit toilets; informal camping possible in and around project area; Globe is a full-service community with numerous motels, restaurants, and other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, water (there is no potable water at any of the camping options), and transportation
Nearest towns: Globe, 16 miles; Phoenix, 40 miles
Applications due: December 26 , 2011