An Assessment of Archeological Sites 41WY71 and 41WY72, Willacy County, Texas

Test excavations at two prehistoric archeological sites in eastern Willacy County, Texas, were conducted by Prewitt and Associates, Inc. during Ma y and July of 1981. The purpose of the investigations at sites 41WY71 and 41WY72 was to assess the potential eligibility of the sites for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. It is concluded that site 41WY71 does not warrant nomination to the Register, but that site 41WY72 is of sufficient importance that it should be considered to be eligible for nomination to the Register.Current work at these two sites has been accomplished under terms of an agreement with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 and Willacy County Drainage District No. 1. Both sites will be affected by construction of the proposed North Ditch across the H.P. El Sauz Ranch. Based on the testing results, the alignment of the North Ditch was shifted southward to avoid conflicts with site 41WY72. As a result, no significant impact should occur at that site.The materials recovered indicate that site 41WY71 probably represents a temporary camp while site 41WY72 appears to represent a semi-permanent site. Significant findings include two small ceramic sherds, seven pieces of obsidian or green glass, and a probable chert chipping station at site 41WY72. All the materials recovered are presumed to be Late Prehistoric in age.