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Archaeology Southwest Highlights: Archaeology, History, and Community: Tucson's Rio Nuevo Project
| Archaeology, History, and Community: Tucson's Rio Nuevo Project Posted By: Linda Pierce - March 1st, 2001
Category: Archaeology Southwest Highlights | 
Volume 15, Number 2
Center for Desert Archaeology
Spring 2001
online highlights...
Archaeology, History and Community: Tucson's Rio Nuevo Project
William H. Doelle, Center for Desert Archaeology
Tucson's historical roots run deep. Over much of the urban area, the archaeological evidence of that history has been scraped away - a casualty of our modern times. Fortunately, all is not lost. Interest in Tucson's past is growing. Proof of this was the decisive margin of victory citizens gave at the ballot box to the "Rio Nuevo" program in November 1999. Rio Nuevo seeks urban revitalization through economic development - and to highlight Tucson's unique culture and history.
To begin this process, the City of Tucson is sponsoring archaeological investigations at a number of focal points in the city's history. Important programs of historical research and public outreach are also under way. Desert Archaeology, Inc., is the lead consultant for an extensive project team that includes Estrada-Weber Cultural Connections, Arizona Historical Society, Arizona State Museum, Center for Desert Archaeology, Mr. Daniel Preston, and Dr. James "Big Jim" Griffith.
Tucson's special story is presented in this issue of Archaeology Southwest. Archaeology and history are encountered regularly in Tucson. Citizens see excavations along the interstates, in the downtown area, and on the far fringes of town. Yet a great deal remains to be learned.
Although Tucson's impressive prehistoric past is also being revealed through Rio Nuevo excavations, this issue gives primary attention to the historical period. The overview in our first article highlights the extensive cultural diversity that has come together in Tucson over the past several centuries. The archaeology of the historic period reflects this diversity. It is also enriched by documents, maps, photographs, and oral histories.
When archaeology is integrated with public policy, things can get complicated. There are diverse opinions about what is important. Professionals approach key questions, such as reconstructing historic buildings, in very different ways (see pages 10-11). Neighborhoods, ethnic groups, and developers can find that their interests conflict. There has been extensive citizen input throughout the Rio Nuevo project. Still, there are many issues to resolve.
Resolution will come through continuing debate. Given that the word community is generally defined as the people who are in regular and direct interaction, it appears that Rio Nuevo is truly affecting the Tucson community. Archaeology and history are part of the very foundations for expanding this diverse community's awareness of itself.
Issue Editor: William H. Doelle
Additional Contributions by:
- William H. Doelle and J. Homer Thiel, "Tucson, A Short History."
- J. Homer Thiel, "Tucson's Birthplace," "Exploring Tucson's Presidio," "The Archaeology of a Mexican Family," & "The Chinese in Tucson."
- William H. Doelle, "What do we know, How do we know it?"
- James P. Holmlund, "The Surveyor as Historical Detective."
- Point-Counterpoint: R. Brooks Jeffery, "Reconstruction Doesn't Work!" & Marty McCune, "Reconstruction Can Work."
- Michael F. Weber, "Creating a Visual Archive."
- Michael W. Diehl & Christopher Sugnet, "Chocolateros."
- Jonathan B. Mabry, "Three Thousand Years of Irrigation in a Riverine Oasis."
- William H. Doelle, "Back Sight."
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