Comparative investigation of building materials at Boxed Springs Site (41UR30)

Abstract

Archaeological artifacts that are commonly connected to habitation have been unearthed at Boxed Springs (41UR30), in Upshur County, Texas, during two surveys in 2020 and 2022. By comparing the depth, weight, and quantity of building materials, more evidence for Boxed Springs' likely occupation during the early Caddo period (900-1200 CE) can be found. The magnetometry was completed at this site in 2020 that indicated potential structures at Boxed Springs. These building materials helped test this hypothesis. For this comparison, two materials from the survey were used: daubs and fire-cracked rocks. Daub is a hardened clay mixture utilized in building structures; these have never been found at the site. Fire-cracked rocks are signs of controlled fire and cooking technologies. Only Squares 1 and 2 had daub, all of which were above 60 CMBC; this correlates to the post holes at 80 CMBD and the possible mound near Square 3 as suggested by magnetometry. Between 40 and 80 CMBD, fire-cracked rocks were the most common. Results such as this can direct the location of future assessments at Boxed Springs.