THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABANDONMENT GHOST TOWNS OF THE AMERICAN WEST Thesis ...

561 Pages·2012·54.13 MB·English

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABANDONMENT
GHOST TOWNS OF THE AMERICAN WEST

Thesis submitted for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
at the University of Leicester

by

Paige Margaret Peyton
School of Archaeology and Ancient History
University of Leicester

2012
Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Abstract

ABSTRACT

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABANDONMENT
GHOST TOWNS OF THE AMERICAN WEST

by

Paige Margaret Peyton

Between 1901 and 1913, Newhouse, Utah, was a thriving mining community of
1,000. The town had all of the markers for success – the most sophisticated mining
equipment and facilities; newly constructed commercial, medical, and residential
buildings; a modern railroad and depot; a diversity of leisure properties and activities;
and, most importantly, a state-of-the-art water supply system. By the close of 1913,
Newhouse was abandoned and most of its physical representations had vanished from
the landscape.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of communities in the
American West were established and then abandoned within a few years or decades.
The phenomenon created a vast landscape of ghost towns that has evoked interest and
curiosity by western novelists and film makers, but very little attention from the
academic community. Of the existing research, none has questioned the causes of their
abandonment.
This thesis is the first to consider abandonment within the western ghost town
context. The research presents detailed information related to the historical and
archaeological records of Newhouse and is broadly contextualized through comparisons
with other mining sites across the West. The thesis also compares Newhouse with two
settlements within Utah – Frisco and Silver Reef – and utilizes regional comparison
data for 105 Utah ghost towns compiled specifically for the thesis.
Results of the research reveal that there is enormous complexity in the histories
and in physical, social, and economic environments of abandoned places. This diversity
contributes to interconnected causes and processes of abandonment and exposes the
reasons why settlements like Newhouse were so short-lived. Most importantly, the
research demonstrates the potential importance of archaeological studies of western
ghost towns and how that can enrich our understanding of this neglected aspect of
recent history.

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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Dedication

Dedicated to Rebecca Virginia Miller Peyton (1919-2008)

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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Conducting the level of research required to produce a document of this size
always involves a great many people. I am always amazed at the willingness of
individuals and organization to share their knowledge and materials and the genuine
interest that they take in my research. Along with the support of old friends and family,
meeting and talking with new friends is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
The first note of thanks goes to my family. The thesis is dedicated to my mother,
Rebecca. Although she surely must have wondered why I would undertake such a
formidable task at this age, she was always the proud mom and knew I would never
give up. I think of her every day. My brothers, Paul and Pete and their wonderful
families have been extremely supportive throughout this journey. They all have the gift
to make me laugh and that has been greatly appreciated – some days more than others.
So, to the Peyton, Burke, Seltzer, and Dix families, thank you!
To the Wintch family. I could not have done this without you. Allowing me full
access to the Newhouse townsite and the family collection of photographs and
narratives was critical to the research. Also, knowing that you were there to help if I
needed anything during the weeks of field work was invaluable. Newhouse is one of
the most remote areas I have ever investigated and having that lifeline was very
reassuring. To the entire Wintch family – especially John, Mark, Nicki, and the kids –
you are the best!
For the Frisco research, I want to thank John Bogdanich, Salt Lake City, Utah, for
allowing me access to the town site and for providing me with a letter that would get me
past the No Trespassing signs. A special thank you also goes to the staff at the Silver
Reef Museum, for allowing me to photograph items in their collection.
To the faculty and staff at the University of Leicester: I have enjoyed every
minute of the last few years and genuinely appreciate all of the guidance and support.
Each of you has made me feel welcome in the country, at the school, and in your
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Acknowledgements

homes. It is a long way between California and Leicester, but I have always felt at
home there.
To Dr. Audrey Horning and Dr. David Edwards who have helped me through the
process. Thank you providing comments on what must have surely seemed like a very
foreign subject. Thank you both for agreeing to supervise the research and for being
gracious hosts during my visits to Leicester.
To Dr. Neil Christie and Dr. David Robinson who provided a relaxed and
supportive environment during the viva. I consider myself very fortunate to have had
my research examined with such interest and enthusiasm. I expect this is not said
terribly often, but I actually enjoyed the viva experience and that is most certainly due
to your encouraging and thoughtful manner.
In addition, the following individuals and organizations provided archival
materials or shared their personal collections and remembrances for which I am most
grateful. These include: Angela Edwards, Librarian, Beaver City Library, Beaver City,
Utah; Trent Brown, Beaver County Assessor, Beaver City, Utah; Bonnie Ames,
Archivist, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum and Director, Beaver County Territorial
Courthouse [Museum], Beaver City, Utah; Louis Benezel, Curator, Lincoln County
Historical Museum, Pioche, Nevada; Leslie Boucher, Recorder/Auditor, Lincoln
County Courthouse, Pioche, Nevada; John E. Bromley, Director Historic Programs,
Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Council Bluffs, Iowa; Danette Adamson, Special
Collections and Archives Librarian, Cal Poly Pomona Library, Pomona, California;
Charlice Brown, Local Historian, Milford, Utah; Bruce Brown, County Recorder,
Beaver County, Utah; Gardiner Dalley and Nathan Thomas, Archaeologists, Bureau of
Land Management, Cedar City, Utah; Dr. Kelly Dixon, Associate Professor of
Anthropology, University of Montana, Missoula; Erica Gibson, Director, California
Archaeological Information Center, Sonoma State University, Sonoma, California;
Chris Hansen, Historic Preservation Planner, Utah State Historic Preservation Office,
Salt Lake City, Utah; Dr. Harold Hickman, Emeritus Professor, School of
Communication, Northern Arizona University, St. George, Utah, and published author
of books and articles on Frisco, Utah; Dr. Robert Schuyler, Associate Professor of
Anthropology and Museum Director, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; George Horton, Jr., author A Personal View of the History of Milford up
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Acknowledgements

to 1914, Provo, Utah; Eric Flemming, Director, Silver Reef Museum, Silver Reef, Utah;
Janet Seegmiller, Archivist, Southern Utah University, Gerald R. Sherratt Library
Special Collections, Cedar City, Utah; Jill Vassilakos-Long, Coordinator of Special
Collections, John M. Phau Library, California State University, San Bernardino,
California; Dr. Stan Larsen, Curator, University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott Library
Special Collections, Salt Lake City, Utah; Sherri Yardley, Librarian, Milford Public
Library, Milford, Utah; Douglas Misner, Library and Collections Coordinator, Utah
History Research Center, Salt Lake City, Utah; Carol Nielson, Curator of Historic
Images, Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Beaver County, Utah; Dr. Melissa Conway,
Special Collections and Archives, Tómas Rivera Library, University of California,
Riverside, California; Todd Prince, Director, State of Utah, Department of Natural
Resources, Iron Mission State Park Museum, Cedar City, Utah; Alan Burnett, Arie
Leeflang, and Gregory Walz, Archaeologists, Utah State Archives and Utah State
Historical Society, Salt Lake City, Utah; Bonnie Percival, Archivist, Valerie A.
Browning Library, Dixie State University, St. George, Utah; Dr. Roger White,
Academic Director, Senior Lecturer, Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural
Heritage, Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity, University of Birmingham,
Coalbrookdale, Edgbaston; Thomas Wells and David Whittaker, Archivists, Brigham
Young University, Harold B. Lee Library Special Collections, Provo, Utah; LoAnne
Barnes, Washington County Historical Society, St. George, Utah; Gladys Whittaker,
Milford, Utah (personal recollections of Frisco, Newhouse, and Milford); and Valerie
Wood, granddaughter of Edith Erickson Lundell, Layton, Utah (biographical materials
of Edith Lundell).
Last, but by no means least, thank you to Mari Pritchard Parker and Heather
Puckett for inviting me to that fateful lunch at the Soup Plantation and for encouraging
me to undertake this adventure.
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT i
DEDICATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES xi
LIST OF FIGURES xii

CHAPTER ONE. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 2
1.1 GENESIS OF THE RESEARCH 4
1.2 BACKGROUND 5
1.3 RESEARCH FOCUS AND QUESTIONS 7
1.3.1 Research Focus One 7
1.3.2 Research Focus Two 8
1.3.3 Research Focus Three 8
1.3.4 Research Focus Four 9
1.4 THESIS ORGANIZATION 9
CHAPTER TWO. FRAMEWORK AND METHODS ............................................ 11
2.1 STUDYING THE AMERICAN WEST 12
2.1.1 Mining Studies 13
2.1.2 Utah Research 15
2.2 THE FRAMEWORKS 16
2.2.1 Framework 1. Defining the American West: Place vs. Process 16
2.2.2 Framework 2. The Landscape of American West
Ghost Towns 23
The Mining Landscape 24
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Table of Contents

Ghost Town Types 27
Non-Company Towns 28
The Company-Constructed Town 34
Community Profile: Calico, California 47
Industrial Features 56
2.2.3 Framework 3. Abandonment and the Archaeological Record 62
Gold Rush Research in the Yukon 63
Deserted Medieval Villages 63
Abandonment Triggers 66
Catastrophic Events 66
Displacement/Encroachment 67
Economics 68
Environmental Conditions 69
Social Issues 71
Isolation 71
Planning and Management 72
Abandonment and Post Abandonment Behavior 74
2.3 RESEARCH METHODS 76
2.3.1 Archival and Literature Searches 77
2.3.2 Interviews and Oral Histories 78
2.3.3 Ghost Town Database 79
2.3.4 Archaeological Field Work 80
2.3.5 Challenges of the Field Work 88
Inherent Dangers 88
Site Disturbance 90
CHAPTER THREE. THE CASE STUDIES AND THEIR
HISTORICAL CONTEXT ......................................................... 95
3.1 PREHISTORY OF SOUTHWESTERN UTAH 95
3.1.1 Ancestral Puebloan Cultures 95
Paleo-Indian Period 95
Archaic Period 96
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Table of Contents

3.1.2 Formative Period - Fremont and Virgin Anasazi 98
The Fremont Culture 98
The Virgin Anasazi 100
3.1.3 Protohistoric and Historic Periods - Southern Paiute 101
3.2 PRIMARY CASE STUDY: NEWHOUSE, UTAH 106
3.2.1 Environment 106
3.2.2 History 108
3.2.3 Social History 126
3.2.4 Industries that Co-Existed with Newhouse 134
Sheep Shearing 134
Dry Farming 135
Gold and Silver Prospecting 135
3.2.5 Samuel Newhouse Biography 136
3.3 CASE STUDY TWO: FRISCO, UTAH 142
3.3.1 Physical and Social Environment 144
3.3.2 Social Issues 148
3.3.3 Frisco Mine Collapse 149
3.3.4 Frisco Rise and Decline 150
3.4 CASE STUDY THREE: SILVER REEF, UTAH 154
3.4.1 Physical and Social Environment 154
3.4.2 Cemeteries 165
3.4.3 Silver Reef's Silver Forest 167
3.4.4 Historic Silver Reef's Waning Years 168
CHAPTER FOUR. UTAH DATABASE ................................................................. 170
CHAPTER FIVE. ARTIFACT DESCRIPTION AND
ANALYSIS ............................................................................... 183
5.1 ARTIFACT CATALOGUE 183
5.2 WHAT THEY TOOK - WHAT THEY LEFT 184
5.3 ARTIFACT ANALYSIS BY CASE STUDY 192
5.3.1 Newhouse 192
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Paige Peyton The Archaeology of Abandonment: Ghost Towns of the American West Table of Contents

Previous Studies 192
Site and Locus Descriptions 194
Newhouse Locus 1 (NH1). Bank 197
Newhouse Locus 2 (NH2). Cactus Inn 200
Newhouse Locus 3 (NH3). Train Depot 203
Newhouse Locus 4 (NH4). Reservoir and Pump Station 208
Newhouse Locus 5 (NH5). Company Town Dwelling 211
Newhouse Locus 6 (NH6). Cactus Café and
Boarding House 214
Newhouse Locus 7 (NH7). Park 221
Newhouse Locus 8 (NH8). North Newhouse Rock
House 225
Newhouse Locus 9 (NH9). North Newhouse Miner's
Cabins 229
Newhouse Locus 10 (NH10). North Newhouse Dwelling
and Storage Building (Dog House Site) 235
5.3.2 Frisco 241
Previous Studies 241
Site and Locus Descriptions 244
Frisco Locus 1 (FR1). Miner's Cabin 244
Frisco Locus 2 (FR2). E. N. Smyth Residence, Restaurant
and Boarding House 248
Frisco Locus 3 (FR3). Town Center Commercial
Building 253
Frisco Locus 4 (FR4). Horn Silver Mines Store 257
5.3.3 Silver Reef 261
Previous Studies 261
Silver Reef Museum and Collection 264
5.4 INTERPRETING THE REMAINS 279
CHAPTER SIX. FINDINGS ..................................................................................... 281
6.1 FINDINGS 281
6.1.1 The Misconceptions 281
All Ghost Towns are Western Mining Towns 281
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