Hard-Rock Mining for Precious Metals in the U.S. Southwest: Considerations for Developing Historic Contexts and Archaeological Research Designs

The variety of precious metals mined during the historical period in the U.S. Southwest provided the momentum for other pursuits reflected in regional history. An understanding of historical mining is fundamental to the interpretation of important persons and historical patterns including cultural, economic, technological, and legislative events. The development of adequate historic contexts and archaeological research designs for studying and evaluating historical-period mining sites is critical in archaeological investigations where such sites may be encountered and satisfies the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act with regard to National Register of Historic Places significance evaluations. Strategies for preparing these documents are outlined here, and a list of existing models is provided.