Plateau Archaeological Investigations conducted archaeological monitoring for the Pybus Market construction project in Wenatchee. The renovated the existing steel mill structure and construct a parking lot on the approximate three-acre Project Area. While the Pybus Steel Building was constructed in 1947, a previous cultural resource survey concluded that the structure did not meet any of the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Archaeological monitoring was recommended during the execution of the project, however, by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation given the location of the Project Area to “traditional sites of value.”
Plateau conducted monitoring for the project over the course of two days. Approximately 392 cubic yards of spoils were excavated during those two days. Soils throughout the Project Area indicate disturbance, either through the construction and maintenance of the former Pybus Metal factory, or through dumping and subsequent filling. Modern debris, including metal wire and sidewalk curbing, was noted at two locations. While no buried structures or features were identified, historic materials were observed. The noted materials are likely related to the historic Shacktown and appear to be items that were discarded, dumped, or out of context. As a group, they did not constitute a site eligible for inclusion on the NRHP. No Native American cultural materials or features were observed during archaeological monitoring.
Location: Chelan County, Washington
