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Excavations at the dugout.

EXCAVATIONS

The historic dugout-style structure is currently under investigation, with formal excavations and analyses seeking to further elaborate on its construction, chronology and historic inhabitants.  Excavations at the dugout can be viewed from Wayside 10 on the trails.

HISTORIC RESEARCH & ORAL HISTORIES

Our interest in the past includes research of historic documents as well as knowledge gained through the collection of oral histories.  Historic records related to land ownership, employment records and other such documents -- along with photographs, drawings and maps depicting early Las Vegas and the Springs -- aid in our interpretations of the past. Oral histories allow us to collect memories from individuals who have a connection to the Springs and can be combined with historic and archaeological data to further our understanding of how different peoples have used, owned, restricted access to and commodified the water.

In October of 2007, the Archaeology staff met with Mr. Dean Hamblin, the son of the railroad-assigned site caretaker who built and resided at the Caretaker's House. Mr. Hamblin’s oral history has been invaluable!

The archaeology department continues to seek out oral history participants who have direct or indirect knowledge (including artifacts and/or photographs) related to the Springs Preserve so that we may continue our research into the history of the Springs.

• Cienega Trail
• Crossroads Trail
• Exploration Trail
• Springs Trail
• Wildlife
• Archaeology
• Current Projects
• The Adobe
• Caretaker's House
• The Derricks
• The Dugout
• The Pithouse
• Spring Houses
• Contact Archaeology