The Bunker Site: Preliminary Results of Archaeological Testing

The Bunker Site: Preliminary Results of Archaeological Testing presented by Price Heiner, Forest Archaeologist for the Rio Grande National Forest

In 2022 Rio Grande National Forest archaeologists and volunteers excavated three 1x1 meter shovel tests to explore the geomorphology, geoarchaeology, depositional context, and occupational history at the Bunker Site (5SH.614). This archaeological site is known as a world-class example of an Old Spanish Trail campsite or paraje from the 19th century, but the subsurface and prehistoric components at the site have not had as much attention. Therefore, the preliminary testing conducted in 2022 focused on the subsurface components of the site and revealed some tantalizing results. Price Heiner’s talk will briefly discuss the archaeology and artifacts of the Old Spanish Trail campsite, with a focus on the subsurface testing results, artifacts, and suggestions for future research.

Price Heiner is the Forest Archaeologist for the Rio Grande National Forest. He has worked as a professional archaeologist for 23 years, including 15 years with the US Forest Service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Colorado State University and a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Wyoming. His research interests include hunter-gatherer ecology, lithic technological organization, projectile point typology, geoarchaeology, and broad landscape use studies.