Local archaeologists revealed a vibrant and culturally diverse 19th century Phoenix Wednesday at the Arizona Science Center.
“History Underground: Territorial Archaeology of Downtown Phoenix” was part of Arizona’s Heritage Awareness Month in March and included four speakers, each an expert in different types of excavation.
The presentation focused on multiple urban digs that have taken place over the last several decades in central Phoenix.
“Our results have been quite fascinating,” said Todd Bostwick, a researcher at Paleowest, an archaeological consulting firm in Phoenix. “To find something preserved under a parking lot after so many years is truly remarkable.”
Bostwick’s research surprised much of the audience when it depicted a multiethnic Phoenix as far back as 1890. Evidence found in the digs suggests daily trade among the white population, Native Americans and a large population of Chinese immigrant workers was common at the time.
“Not many people are aware Phoenix had a Chinatown up until the end of World War II,” Bostwick said. “Chinese culture played a big role in the development of the city.”
Mark Hackbarth, a senior archaeologist, said the cultural diversity downtown was not limited to just race or ethnicity, but money as well. According to his records, rich and poor often lived side by side, something rarely seen today.
“Right at the crux of change during the industrial revolution, many of the rich flocked to the city to build homes, taking their place beside the poor,” he said.
Hackbarth specializes in the excavation of cellars and basements preserved underground. His presentation, “What Lies Beneath the Floor,” showed evidence of older, traditional buildings, paved over by newer brick homes.
“Buildings were mostly adobe until railroads came through,” Hackbarth said. “This gave way to some of the modern brick homes we still see today.”
An audience member and lifelong resident of Phoenix, Patti Goss could actually remember some of the pictures shown during the presentation.
She pointed to a picture of one of the historical buildings in Phoenix, the Luhrs Hotel.
“That boy standing on the balcony could very well be my cousin,” she said.
Goss, a graduate of ASU, grew up in Phoenix during World War II, and recalled being raised in the landmark Luhrs Building, which has since been renovated and turned into office space.
Some audience members commented on the diversity of historic Phoenix.
“Obviously Arizona had the segregation common in America at that time, but there were strange exceptions to the rules in Phoenix sometimes,” said April Carrol, a resident of Phoenix and an employee at the Pueblo Grande Museum.
Others said they came to learn more about the Native American culture at the time.
Zach Julian, a Tempe resident and student at the University of Advancing Technology is currently writing a thesis on Native American artifacts and their relative locations.
“I’m glad they talked about some of the Native pottery and tools of the time,” Julian said.
Mary-Ellen Walsh, the researcher who gave the presentation on Native Americans, said the tribes were often encouraged to make and trade pottery and tools to increase tourism in Phoenix during the 19th century.
Walsh said she suspects there is still much to be discovered about the relationship between white settlers and the Native population.
“We’re currently seeking more funds to pursue and explore more cultural relations,” she said.
Contact the reporter at gwfranci@asu.edu
