Richard Beene Site

Beneath our feet, hidden beneath layers of time, lies the Richard Beene Site. This is not just any patch of earth. It’s an archaeological treasure chest. The Richard Beene Site whispers stories of generations past, stretching back almost 10,000 years. It all started in the early 1990s. The Applewhite Reservoir project was underway, promising to quench San Antonio’s thirst. During the excavation, Richard Beene, an inspector for the project, spotted something extraordinary. Deep within the earth, uncovered by the relentless churn of bulldozers, lay unmistakable signs of an ancient encampment. Beene’s keen eye and quick thinking saved this treasure trove of history from certain destruction. In his honor, the site now bears his name. The Richard Beene Site isn’t just about one period or culture. It captures the ebb and flow of life over millennia, encompassing the Early, Middle, and Late Archaic periods, and reaching into the Late Pre-Columbian era. Excavations have revealed a treasure trove of artifacts. Over 100,000 pieces, including stone tools, projectile points, remnants of ovens, and even animal bones, paint a vivid picture of life in this place. We learn that this area was a haven for hunter-gatherers, drawn to the abundance of the Medina River Valley. They feasted on deer, rabbits, fish, and shellfish, supplemented by the bounty of prickly pear, pecans, mesquite beans, and roots. Later, they cultivated the land, growing corn, beans, and squash, leaving their own mark on the landscape. The Richard Beene Site is more than just an archaeological dig. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit, to adaptation and resilience. It allows us to trace the footsteps of those who came before us, to understand their struggles and triumphs. As we stand here, we connect with the past in a tangible way, reminded that we are all part of a continuum stretching back through time.