A Cultural Resources Survey of the Whitlow Ranch Dam and Reservoir Area, Eastern Pinal County, Arizona,

Abstract : In all, 2 previously surveyed sites were relocated and 28 new sites were recorded. In addition, 163 isolated finds were located. No preceramic sites were noted. The major occupation (Hohokam) of the area appears to have taken place during the Classic period, when three small villages and possibly nine isolated habitation sites or farm sites were occupied. These sites are generally characterized by the presence of redware pottery, and by rock or cobble masonry rooms. A much smaller Preclassic Hohokam occupation is also indicated. One Hohokam site, a hilltop fortified site, appears to have been reused briefly by a protohistoric group (possibly the Yavapai). Historic remains are restricted to the Anglo-American period. All the remains found were evaluated in terms of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Seven sites were judged to be eligible on the basis of survey data alone; two sites (or components of sites) were judged to be ineligible, based on survey data. The remainder were judged to be ambiguous in nature, and deserving of testing prior to further attempts at evaluation.