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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAddenda - RFP - P982 BOBCAT RIDGE TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTON (5)Chapter 5. Cultural Resources Introduction Bobcat Ridge Natural Area hosts a variety of historical buildings, artifacts, and other cultural resources which are representative of the settlement era in this area of Larimer County. Evidence of early Native American use of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is recorded in the number of artifacts found in and around Bobcat Ridge including the possible tipi ring east of the powerline road. Parts of the property have been a working ranch since the late 19th century when the area was first homesteaded in the late 1800’s. Numerous buildings associated with the property’s homestead and ranching history still exist on the site including the ranchstead with its associated buildings located at the head of Buffum Canyon. In early August 2004, Tatanka Historical Associates Inc., a Fort Collins-based historic documentation and preservation consulting firm was contracted to conduct preliminary research and historic analysis of the historic and archaeological history of Bobcat Ridge. This study collected information regarding the site’s general history, additional data on specific, known, historic and archaeological features, and provided general management recommendations. Much of this chapter is adapted from that report dated September 9, 2004. Findings The historical and archaeological features identified by the City were located and observed. Figure 5.1 shows a map detailing the locations of these features. The following presents their field analysis of these features: Isolated Cabin – This log cabin (Figure 5.2) is located in the northeast quarter of Section 16 and is hidden behind a low hill on the west that obscures it from view. Rising above the cabin to the east is a steep north-south ridge. The building is surrounded by large trees to the northwest, west and southwest that were probably planted over a century ago to serve as a wind and snow break. To the north and south the open ground is covered with a mix of native and pasture grass. The cabin, which most likely dates from the period between the 1870s and 1890s, rests upon a stone foundation and is constructed of hewn logs with concrete chinking and saddle-notched corners. While the walls are original and the building appears to have been constructed at one time, the roof along with the door and window frames were reconstructed decades ago. All of the windows and doors are missing. Incised into the concrete chinking on the east exterior of the house are the words “Smith Bros.” and what appears to be the date “1924.” This date may be when the alterations to the cabin took place, and certainly presents an idea of who owned the building at that time and when the logs were last chinked. The hipped roof is finished with wood shingles and tin segmental ridge caps, all features that are consistent with a 1920s replacement date. Inside the cabin are remnants of some of its original or early finishes and furnishings, all of which clearly date from between the late 1800s and the 1930s. Although the flooring is mostly deteriorated, enough is present to indicate that it was finished with pine. The now-deteriorated ceiling was finished with tongue-in-groove bead boards. In the northwest corner is an old cast-iron kitchen stove that contains the following information: “Hot Closet, No. 20, Pat. Dec. 14, 1886.” Outside of the cabin are several features of historic interest. On the ground to the north a short distance is the rusting body of what appears to be an old Model T Ford. Northwest of the cabin is a water well or cistern that is lined with stone. To the south are an old water pump and a stock tank. The water pump is marked “Dempster Mill Mfg. Co.” It is mounted on top of two railroad ties that also contain numerous projecting bolts and large nails that appear to have held down additional equipment. Lying on the ground next to the pump is an approximately 8’ length of riveted metal water pipe. The stock tank is farther to the south and does not appear to be as old as the cabin or pump. Although the cabin is in deteriorating condition, it is intact enough to be stabilized. At minimum, this will require work on the roof, re-chinking of the log walls, and closure of the now open windows and doors to seal out the weather. The interior flooring and ceiling could also be reconstructed. Other Homesteads/Cabins – There are at least two other homestead/cabin sites on Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The cabin located in the Mahoney Park area (Figure 5.3) burned down at some point; however, the root cellar is still visible (Figure 5.4). There is some discrepancy concerning when this cabin was destroyed. One account has it being destroyed by fire “years ago” (Sladek and Brechtel 2004 pg 18), while another account reported it being burned down in the 2000 Bobcat Fire (Steeves et al. 2004). There is also no consensus as to when the cabin was built or who may have built it. The second cabin site is located approximately 1/3 to ½ mile up Green Ridge, west of the ranchstead. This site was also reportedly destroyed in the 2000 Bobcat Fire. Further research is necessary to determine the history of these sites and to discover if there are yet more historic cabin sites on the natural area. Ranchstead – The ranchstead (Figure 5.5) is located on the east-central edge of the Bobcat Ridge Natural Area where the county road enters the property (8429 County Rd. 32C). It consists of a collection of historic buildings and developed features, all of them related to the operation of a cattle ranch in the area. Straddling the north and south sides of County Rd. 32C, these buildings and structures appear to date from the 1880s through the 1950s. While the ranchstead evidently started with the late 1880s pioneer house, the chicken house and the barn, its growth and evolution over the following decades into the mid-1900s is part of the story that is told by this complex. Farm House (Figure 5.6) is an L-shaped, 1½-story, wood-framed home that is typical of the 19th-Century pioneer era, probably dating from the late 1880s or 1890s. Resting upon a stone foundation, the building exhibits evidence of modest expansion toward the rear (to the west) many decades ago. Research indicates that this addition took place around 1948. The home is finished with red painted siding dating from recent decades, along with white painted trim and window and door surrounds. Underneath this siding is reportedly an earlier layer of horizontal drop siding, possibly the original. Windows are a combination of original double-hung sashes, circa 1960 double-hung sashes (with springs rather than ropes and weights), and original wood casements. The steeply-pitched, asphalt-shingled roof consists of two intersecting gables with a central wall dormer on the front. Projecting from the front of the home is a small raised open stoop with a shed roof above, supported by two square posts. Inside the house, which has been extensively remodeled, are some original materials and a number of modern finishes. Included among the historic features are wood panel doors, original trimwork, and plaster walls hidden behind circa 1960s paneling. The original, or early, layout of rooms is also apparent. In general, however, the interior has a mostly modern appearance with the historic features present but in the background. The grounds around the house have been landscaped with grass, concrete sidewalks, bushes, and mature trees. Many of these features appear to be quite old. Behind the house is a modern shed. West and southwest of the house and calving barn is a flat area with a sudden rise along its western perimeter. The top of this rise is reported to contain two infant burials dating from the late 19th century. One archival source checked states that these graves are actually to the west of the south end of the calving barn and are marked by stones. In general, the historic house and its surroundings have retained much of their late-19th century character. Changes to the residence have occurred, however these did not significantly alter the general layout, appearance and integrity of the building. Railroad Boxcar (Figure 5.7) rests to the south of the house between the residence and the calving barn to the south. This car appears to date from the early 1900s and was reportedly placed on the site to be used for grain storage in the early 1960s. Resting upon concrete and railroad tie piers, the car has wood sidewalls made of vertical planks, metal endwalls, and an arched roof. Large sliding doors are found on the east and west sides of the car. Projecting from the lower portion of the north endwall is a metal pipe that appears to have been used for on- or off-loading of grain. Although deteriorating from exposure and lack of maintenance, the boxcar could be rehabilitated. It is an excellent example of the resourceful creation of storage space in a ranch setting. Calving Barn (Figure 5.8), located to the south of the boxcar, was constructed in the mid- to late-1940s. It is finished with board and batten walls and a shed-roof with exposed rafter ends. The east wall at the northeast and southeast corners is open to interior stalls. Hanging from the northeast opening is an old garage door. A swinging board and batten door allows for access to the structure from the north. Small window openings are found along the east wall. In general, this structure is in deteriorating but restorable condition. Without attention, it will eventually be lost due to age, weather, and deferred maintenance. Hayshed (Figure 5.9), located to the east of the calving barn, was constructed in the mid- to late-1940s. It is a large rectangular open structure with a shed roof covered with metal. This allowed easy access to the hay while providing overhead protection from the weather. The structure is generally in good condition, although it may require some attention. Pens and Corral constructed in the mid- to late-1940s, which complete this area of the ranchstead. These consist of open dirt areas bordered by heavy wood fences and gates. Stock tanks and troughs are located in this area for the watering and feeding of the animals. A raised wooden chute is also present on the east for the loading and off- loading of stock. All of the items among the pens and corral appear to be in relatively good condition yet will require the normal maintenance expected of ranch features used for the containment of large animals. Chicken House (Figure 5.10) is a small south-facing log building with a rear wall that is partially built into the dirt slope that rises behind the structure. This building reportedly dates from around 1888, when the Hyatt family arrived in the area. It is clearly one of the oldest buildings in the ranchstead complex. The structure consists of hewn squared log walls with dovetail notching at the corners. The front door is made of vertical planks and an unusually large four-space window (with no glass) is located to the right of the entrance. This window was reportedly expanded from the original. The front-gabled roof is finished with wood shingles and a wood plank gable wall. This significant building is in seriously deteriorated condition, having collapsed a number of years ago toward the rear. The front wall remains upright, however, and the structure’s original features are easily distinguishable. Restoration is possible and would allow the chicken house to stand for many decades to come. Without attention in the near future, it is likely to be completely lost. Pioneer Barn (Figure 5.11) is located adjacent to the chicken house to the southeast and reportedly dates from the 1888 arrival of the Hyatt family in the area. This structure has no foundation and is constructed of wood posts and beams. It is open to the south and closed with vertical plank walls on the north, east and west. Relatively small for a barn, the side-gabled building has a dirt floor and a full-width front shed-roof projection. The main roof is finished with wood shingles and a tin ridge cap, and the projection is covered with metal. On the east and west elevations are vertical wood plank doors. This building is in relatively good condition; however it will require ongoing maintenance and some restoration work to keep it standing. Equipment Shed (Figure 5.12), located adjacent to the chicken house to the northwest, dates from the early 1950s. This small building is wood-framed and finished on the entire exterior with corrugated metal siding. It has a shed roof with an overhanging full- width metal hood on the south that is supported by poles. The south elevation is largely taken up by two pair of large swinging doors, in front of which is a sloped concrete apron. Poultry Shed (Figure 5.13), located adjacent to the equipment shed to the northwest, dates from the late 1940s. This long rectangular building, which faces toward the southwest, rests upon a raised sandstone foundation and is constructed of cinder blocks. Wood plank doors are present on the east, west and south elevations, and the front of the building contains numerous screened window spaces with wood surrounds. The poultry shed is finished with a sloped shed roof covered with corrugated metal. Grave Sites – There are two grave sites marked with rocks known to exist on the property (Figure 5.14). They are located on a low hilltop near the ranchstead southeast of the farm house. The graves belong to two children, but there are differing accounts as to which family they belong and when they were buried. According to one interview (Steeves et al. 2004) they were the Griffith families babies and were buried circa the 1930s. However, another account (Sladek and Brechtel 2004) suggests they were part of the Hyatt family and may have died sometime in the 1890s. Further research is warranted to determine who these children are and when they died. Archeological Resources Archaeological reconnaissance of Bobcat Ridge Natural Area was limited. It took place about 1½ miles west of Masonville, near the center of Section 16. The area of this study is a small saddle on a low ridge at the eastern base of a series of foothill slopes which rise westerly towards Green Ridge. This saddle is about 150’ north of a small, east-flowing stream. At least one tipi ring was known to the City at this location. Surface investigation of this area was conducted to ascertain the possible presence of significant archaeological remains such as tipi rings, campfires, and man-made stone alignments or configurations. It was also inspected for artifacts such as arrow points and grinding/milling stones. No ground was broken and only superficial evidence was noted. Pedestrian transects were used for this investigation. This method is sufficient to detect the presence of any prominent archaeological remains. Approximately 2 acres around the tipi circle was investigated. Tipi Ring Area: A single stone circle or tipi ring (Figure 5.15) was observed in this area. The feature is a circular alignment of stones approximately 14 ft. in diameter. It is comprised of a single course of some 75-100 stones, mostly in the range of about 2-5 lbs. each. These stones are mostly granitic and are native to the area. They are well embedded into the soil to an average depth of 5-8 inches. Stone alignments of this type are most frequently interpreted as tipi rings, presumably used to anchor the edges of hide-covered tipis. However, other interpretations are possible. For example, contemporary Native Americans have suggested that features of this type may also have been made for traditional spiritual/ceremonial uses such as prayer circles. Stone circles are a common and widespread prehistoric site type throughout the entire Rocky Mountains/Central Plains region, undoubtedly numbering in the multi-thousands and likely into the hundreds of thousands. Stone ring sites typically retain very few or no associated artifacts or datable materials, such as charcoal on the surface (although such materials are sometimes recovered through archaeological excavation). Thus, while accurate dating of these sites is generally difficult to impossible based on surface observations alone, excavations at some sites in this region have produced tipi ring dates as old as 4,000 years. Since the Ute and Arapaho, being the most recent local tribes, were removed from this portion of Colorado to reservations during the 1860s and 1870s, the tipi ring could reasonably be assumed to have a minimum age of 130 years. Considering the embedded depth of the individual stones, it could also be several hundred years old. It is not possible to identify with certainty the specific tribal affiliation of this tipi ring. Records of the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office do contain documentation of at least three additional tipi ring sites, some containing multiple rings, within a 3-mile radius of this feature at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Several other smaller, partially ring-like stone configurations were observed in the vicinity of the complete ring. Small features of this type have been interpreted as the possible remains of conical structures such as sweat lodges. However in this case, these partial rings lack sufficient definition to be positively identified as cultural (i.e. man- made) features. At this time, they can only be identified as possible cultural features. The ground surface in the area around the tipi ring is generally rocky, and includes some fairly large boulders. A few of these boulders appear to possibly form one or two roughly circular enclosures, although the individual boulders are mostly too large to have been easily moved by hand. These are consequently interpreted as natural, random configurations, although some contemporary Native Americans have suggested that such naturally occurring enclosures were occasionally used as prayer circles. At this time, it appears that with the exception of the single tipi ring described above, none of the stone configurations in the surrounding area can be conclusively interpreted as man-made. Thompson Family Artifact Collection: This small collection consists of four stone projectile points found in the Green Ridge/Buckhorn Valley area by the Dwain and Phyllis Thompson family. Three of these artifacts appear to be arrow points, one of which was collected on Green Ridge itself. The fourth artifact is a somewhat larger stone blade which appears to have possibly been used as a drill or perforator. Among other uses, such perforators may have been used to cut holes in various materials including hides and leather. The basal portion of this artifact has been broken off, thus it may actually have been remade from a formerly larger blade tool of some type. The three arrow points are all small, triangular, corner-notched types, generally within the size range of about ½” x 1”. All four of the artifacts are made of chert and other flint-like stone which occurs in natural outcrops along the Front Range foothills. Arrow points of this type are not uncommon in this area. These appear to be most likely associated with the Late Prehistoric Stage and possibly the subsequent Protohistoric Stage. The Late Prehistoric Stage is dated between about 150 and 1,500 A.D., while the Protohistoric Stage dates from around 1,550 to 1,850 A.D. It is not possible to associate these artifacts with a specific commonly known tribe in this area, such as the Ute or Arapaho. Recommended Actions for Historical Resources  Research who built and occupied the cabins on Green Ridge and in Mahoney Park. Leave cabin remnants as is; possibly interpret the history of these.  Further research the settlement history and previous ownership of parcels within Bobcat Ridge Natural Area for interpretation purposes.  Research who is buried in the graves near the ranchstead farmhouse.  Pursue grant funding for historic structure assessment and stabilize buildings in need of attention.  Preserve and restore the cabin at northeast part of the property. Interpret daily life of that era and possibly specific family history.  Remove the boxcar, poultry shed, equipment shed, pens, corral and hayshed.  Leave the chicken house and barn as is for interpretation purposes. Recommended Actions for Archaeological Resources  Conduct archaeological reconnaissance in advance of any ground-disturbing projects.  Consult the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office and the State Archaeologist before publicizing and developing archaeological sites for interpretive purposes.  Erect permanent fencing around the tipi ring and surrounding area to protect potential archaeological data until more conclusive examination can be completed.  Develop interpretation materials concerning use by Native Americans if warranted by further investigation.  As the need arises or as funding becomes available, conduct additional surface reconnaissance especially focusing upon selected areas whose natural topography is known to have high potential for archaeological resources such as rock cliff faces, ledges, overhangs, hogback ridges and their east-facing slopes, as well as ravines, springs, and creeks. Management Recommendations for Historical Features Feature Location Action Isolated cabin Northeast portion Restore and interpret Root cellar Mahoney Park Leave as is Cabin remnants Green Ridge Leave as is Farm house Main road Improve or evaluate to replace Boxcar Ranchstead Remove Calving barn Ranchstead Remove Hayshed Ranchstead Remove Pens and corral Ranchstead Remove Chicken house Ranchstead east of road Leave as is and interpret Pioneer barn Ranchstead east of road Leave as is Equipment shed Ranchstead east of road Remove Poultry shed Ranchstead east of road Remove Gravesites Near ranchstead Preserve Tipi rings Lower powerline trail Preserve Artifacts Various Preserve Chapter References Sladek, Ron and James Brechtel 2004. Historical / archaeological planning report, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Masonville vicinity, Larimer County, Colorado. Tatanka Historical Associates, Inc. Fort Collins, CO. Steeves, R., Sue Kenney, and Anastasia Patterson 2004. Personal interview with Dwain and Phyllis Thompson family. April 26, 2004.