Submerged Cultural Resources Site Report: Charles H. Spencer's Mining Operation and Paddle Wheel Steamboat

Bradford, James; Rusho, W.L.

This study of the remains of a historic industrial mining site and a historic wooden vessel located in the downstream river corridor of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has been designed within a park management framework. The project was geared toward generating information that would be useful in cultural resources site interpretation, visitor safety, protection, and conservation; in meeting Federal compliance requirements; in contributing to the story of the park and the maritime history of the region; and in answering questions of general archeologicaland historical interest.The Charlie Spencer mining area has undergone many adverse impacts and destruction as a result of man’s activities within the limited amount of space in this section of Lee’s Ferry. The effects of remodeling on what would have become historic buildings, however, is a moot point because most of the buildings were destroyed in 1967. This event is unfortunate because much of the physical evidence of an important chapter in regional history was removed with the structures.The key to the situation today lies in preserving and interpreting the remaining features related not only to the Spencer mining operations, but also to the USGS years of survey and river monitoring at Lee‘s Ferry. Some physical evidence and adequate amounts of documentation for both periods survive today and provide us with The tools and information necessary to present a full interpretive program to the public and allow continued research into the history of the area by those whose interests have and will continue to bring them to Lee’s ferry.The most detrimental impact to the paddle wheel steamboat is wet-dry cycling resulting from the fluctuations of the water level below the dam. In ideal conditions, the vessel would be best preserved and protected from the impact of wind- or boat-driven waves and wet-dry cycling if it remained underwater at all times. The lowered water level also invites human activity on the site and, therefore, an increase in adverse impacts. Inadvertent or purposeful vandalism are much more likely to occur at these times.The wood used in construction of the vessel remains hard and well-preserved below the level of the water fluctuations. Piping, truss rod, turnbuckles, paddle wheel hubs, and the machinery present are all in good condition. A portion of the boiler and firebox, as well as wood in the bow, both exposed to wet-dry cycles, are in poor condition. Rusting of the boiler and firebox,along with loss of some of the historic fabric is evident.The history of the steamboat, the role of Charlie Spencer in the region, and how the steamboat was later used to help decide a Supreme Court case, is a story that can meaningfully contribute to the interpretation of Glen Canyon and the upper Colorado River. Continued protection of this site will ensure a data bank for future researchers who have specific questions on maritime construction of the period or who wish to have a source of comparative data for other similar vessels.

Submerged Cultural Resources Site Report: Charles H. Spencer's Mining Operation and Paddle Wheel Steamboat

Series