5.4 FS-4 (El Catrín Site)

UTM: Zone 13R, E199XXX N3519XXX (NAD 27) [Redacted]

USGS Quadrangle: Victorio Ranch, NM

PLSS: SW ¼, NE ¼, NE ¼, Section 4, T29.5S R13W

Cultural Affiliation: Late Nineteenth Century

Site Type: Isolated Find

Nearest Water Source: Toro Prieto, 510 m W

Environmental Setting: Foothills/Talus

Soil type: Molina-Mars Complex, 10-20 percent slopes

Elevation: 1329 m (4360 ft) amsl

Site Size: 5-meter diameter

NRHP Eligibility Recommendation: Unknown

Field Site-4 was first identified within visual inspection of Section 4 (T29.5S R13W) which is fully incorporated into MCD. Survey transects at 30-m increments were traversed west (270°), perpendicular to the eastern MCD perimeter fence. The site was first identified as a silver pocket watch lying on the foot path along the base of the Sierra Rica between the former location of La Mojina mine and Toro Prieto, a spring outpouring from the mountain (Figures 5.7 and 5.8; Table 5.4).

FS-4 was discovered on the surface while archaeological crews were scouring the area looking for signs of the reported asbestos mine in this area. A local tributary to Wamels Draw lies 510 m to the west of FS-4 along the path. Here, the stream forms a small cataract known as the Toro Prieto, likely named due to the staining on the rock face from the fibrous anthophyllite leeching into the spring. This stream flows seasonally under the MCD perimeter fence at a point one km north of the site; it exits the facility near MCD Gate Neptune. The vegetation in this portion of the base is primarily juniper and mesquite.

Although identified on the surface, a shovel test was excavated within at the watch’s location as well as at 10-m and 20-m increments in four cardinal directions. Soils were comparable to the expected NRCS designation for this area, Molina-Mars Complex, 10-20 percent slopes. Two general strata can be defined for the site as a whole: 

·         Stratum I – 15 cm of pinkish gray (7.5YR 6/2) sand (Cg1 Horizon)

·         Stratum II – 10-50+ cm of fine black (7.5YR 2.5/1) sand (Cg2 Horizon).

Figure 5.7. FS-4 shown in NE ¼, Section 4, T29.5S R13W.

FS-4 is comprised of a remarkably well-preserved silver toned pocket watch. It late nineteenth century design with blue hands and black Roman numerals printed on a white face with Hampden Watch Co. (Canton, Ohio)  written on the dial. There is a sunken seconds register at the base with black Arabic numbers. Notably, the original crystal is in very good condition with only light surface wear. The inside of the back case is stamped “Keystone Watch Case, Guaranteed Silveroid.”  The back of the case is engraved “For 33 years of Service, Chicago & West Michigan, 1899.” The front of the case is monogrammed JFT.[1]

Unfortunately the description of the watch as contained in this report is based on cursory lab notes, recovered from an internal email attachment. This artifact was among the materials lost when TCCRC’s temporary field office in Roswell Junction was inundated in a flash flood in December 2012.

No other artifacts were found along the trail; it is likely that this chance find represents a casual discard i.e. a dropped item.  Given the time period of the watch, it is suggested that it may have been lost by one of the miners at La Mojina, traversing the path back and forth for water. Unfortunately we have yet to ground-truth the mine itself.

Figure 5.8. General view of area surrounding FS-4, looking west towards Toro Prieto.

Regardless, given no other evidence of the La Mojina exists, further investigations in the areas surrounding FS-4 may hopefully produce additional clues as to the mine’s whereabouts.  Investigations of the La Mojina operation, if found can provide valuable information on mining in Loteria Township and southern New Mexico in general. Particularly the existing and additional future collection of personal items may provide significant information on the origin and socioeconomic make up of mining camps in this remote area.

However the NRHP eligibility of this site cannot be firmly established at the Phase I level of data collection. Further Phase II investigations, including additional documentation, sampling and research in historic retirement gifts and asbestos processing in the southwestern desert, is required to fully assess this site’s potential significance. Therefore pending additional study, FS-4 remains of unknown eligibility for the NRHP.

 

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[1] I interject on a personal note; I had a very similar Hamden passed down from my great great paternal grandfather Jupiter from his retirement from the railroad in Traverse City. Regrettably, at the time of writing I have gone to retrieve it from my safety deposit and found it missing. It was not insured, it value mores sentimental than monetary. I expect some satisfaction from the Bank of Akron. The matter is not yet settled. [fjt]