The Palomar College PC3 A&B (W-1556) (CA-SDi-5641) is a prehistoric/historic site located on the campus of Palomar College, San Marcos, CA. The site was discovered and surveyed by G. Varner in 1976 and excavated by Dr. D. O'Neill and Palomar archaeology students from 1977- 1982. Some of the site had been disturbed by Palomar College gardening activities, in particular the planting of  trees and removal of rock.  The location of the site is on a south facing slope along San Marcos Creek in north San Diego County. Initial artifacts indicated that the site at least represented the Late Period, and its location could represent San Luis Rey (Luiseño) or Cuyamaca (Diegueño) and so one research objective was to determine which culture. Of course given such a location trade could generate more of a mix of both cultures. Also, as part of research testing it decided to further test the site by taking a relatively large sample >40%. Usually a site is preserved and a 10-20% sample is used to project the distribution of artifacts and activities. Thus, S. J. Crouthamel and Palomar archaeology students excavated adjoining units in 1988-1990. In 1991-1994 PC 3 B, an adjacent part of the site with milling features, was excavated. The purpose of the expanded excavation was to test the hypothesis that a small sample was sufficient to project what was present in the rest of the site. This proved to be incorrect and different artifacts and features were found in the expanded units at PC 3 A and at the additional loci designated PC 3 B.

The PC 3 A& B site predominantly represents a Late Period site with some possible Middle and Early Period strata below. There is some evidence of a fairly extensive trade network. The compromise of reliable strata has left a number of questions unanswered. However, the artifacts that represent a Late Period occupation especially from A.D. 1000- 1800. It is also evident that this Late Period occupation was in the late Spring -Summer and therefore this was a seasonal gathering camp. The Luiseño exploited a  great variety of seeds, nuts, greens, and roots on a seasonal basis.

 Some of the artifacts are more indicative of San Luis Rey/Luiseno aspect of the Late Period. This includes unpainted pottery, Cottonwood projectile points,  certain religious objects and a cremation that was left in place.

There is also evidence of contact with Europeans as evidenced by European and Mexican produced glass trade beads. These could have come from direct or indirect trade from A.D. 1500-1800.

The PC 3 A&B sites are protected as part of Palomar College's cultural and natural resources. There have been proposals to use PC 3 B as an exemplary display with a proposed cultural museum, since there is a nice bedrock milling feature located on this part of the site.

References:

O'Neill, D.H.

1982: Archaeological Excavation of W-1556, A Campbell Tradition and Late Prehistoric Hunting and Gathering Camp in San Marcos, California. on file Palomar College archaeology lab, San Marcos, CA.

Copyright © S. J. Crouthamel