| CONCLUSION
Although the physical remains of the encampment were compromised
by years of surface collecting, together with archival resources
they allowed researchers to reconstruct a fairly comprehensive picture
of a soldier’s life at the National Guard camp between 1916
and 1918. The various loci found at the sites were correlated to
known activity areas as well as the encampments of particular regiments.
Use of new military weaponry was evident. Pre-packaged (tinned)
food consistent with a military encampment was also imported to
the area. The presence of specialized units was indicated by medical
insignias on ceramic sherds and by the terracing of the camp, which
was likely the work of a corps of engineers.
The physical remains do not reveal why so many soldiers amassed here
over a relatively short period; the answers to that question are provided
by newspaper accounts and historical documents, which recount the U.S.
government’s response to Pancho Villa’s incursions and convey
the specter of the First World War.
Next: Silver Bell Complex |
