Submerged Cultural Resources Inventory: Portions of Point Reyes National Seashore and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary - Field Research Results, Session 1, 1983

Carrell, Toni; Murphy, Larry

A document that discusses in detail all known underwater archeological sites in a given park. This may involve test excavations. The intended audience is managerial and professional, not the general public. The overall management approach to the study of submerged cultural resources within the National Park System may be conceptualized as occurring in distinct steps; the course of research leading in a logical sequence through initial assessment, remote sensing survey of blocks of land to locate then evaluate potential resources, and then inventory of all the known submerged sites in an area. The first task of the Submerged Cultural Resources Unit at Point Reyes National Seashore was, therefore, to conduct an assessment and a Phase I reconnaissance survey; these were accomplished in 1982. The inventory process was begun in 1983 and is reported here. The targeted research objectives of this initial inventory session were evaluation and preliminary mapping of MONLEON, a World War I laker class vessel lost at Point Reyes on November 8, 1931; relocation and evaluation of RICHFIELD, a bulk oil tanker lost off Chimney Rock on May 8, 1930; and documentation and mapping of a circa 1880 schooner wharf site in the upper reaches of Schooner Bay. In addition to the inventory activities above, onsite examination of six anomaly clusters, identified in the 1982 survey, was completed. A preliminary base map of MONLEON was completed that includes all of the major structural components of the site. However, it raised more questions about the site than answers. Displacement of the starboard boiler and a large section of missing stern suggest questions of wreck deposition and possible intervention through salvage activities which should be addressed in future work at the site. The site of Richfield is hazardous to dive due to the currents present, boat traffic and poor visibility. Park divers now have a much better understanding of this site as well as knowing the exact location of RICHFIELD's remains. Determination of the full extent of the wreckage scatter and completion of a base map of the site are future inventory tasks. The Schooner Bay Wharf Site was documented and mapped; it is an example of the potential for preservation of this type of site within the park boundary. Not surprisingly, only 8 of the 38 pilings present at the site were visible above the surface of the water. Onsite examination of the six anomaly clusters resulted in a negative finding; no remains of any type were located protruding above the sand bottom. This confirms the supposition that whatever is creating the anomalous readings is most probably deeply buried in the sand and silt bottom of Drake's Bay.

Submerged Cultural Resources Inventory: Portions of Point Reyes National Seashore and Point Reyes-Farallon Islands National Marine Sanctuary - Field Research Results, Session 1, 1983

Series