Between May and November 1980, a Class III intensive cultural inventory of the approximately 11,700-acre Texas-Missouri-Evacuation Creeks study area was undertaken by Gordon & Kranzush, Inc. under Contract Number YA-512-CT9-252 for the Craig District of the Bureau of Land Management. The study area, located in southwestern Rio Blanco County, Colorado, is the scene of increasing energy minerals development, and was selected by the BLM for investigation in order to facilitate this development while protecting the cultural resource base.
A total of 356 prehistoric and historic resources were recorded during the 100% pedestrian survey of the study area, including 173 sites, 67 localities, and 116 isolated finds. Aboriginal resources reflect steadily increasing activity from Paleoindian (pre-5000 BC) through Proto-historic (AD 1880) times, though Fremont period (AD 400-1250) manifestations are widely divergent in this area from those recorded in surrounding regions. Resource types include lithic scatters, quarries, rock art, campsites, wickiups, and a sweatlodge. The 15 historic resources reflect Euroamerican transportation, stock raising, homesteading, mineral exploration, survey, and hunting activities during the years from AD 1880 through 1930.
Five prehistoric sites are considered eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, and 39 others may be eligible, but more data is required for final determinations. In addition, two potentially eligible districts, containing a total of 22 resources, have been identified as archaeologically significant zones. Avoidance and protection of these resources are recommended. Also, two previously recorded resources in the study area qualify for National Register listing: Collage Shelter is listed on the Register, and the route of the Uintah Railway has been found eligible for nomination.