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<br /> urban areas, however, other boundaries might be considered. In most arch,ological <br /> studies, boundaries may follow topographic or environmental zones, such as valley <br /> floors, or river basins. <br /> Regardless of the boundaries, a survey consists of two major components: archival <br /> research and field work and recording of information. Although archival research <br /> begins before field work, and much information is recorded as the result of field <br /> work, both normally will be simultaneous activities. Those conducting them <br /> should interact and provide each other with advice and suggestions. <br /> 1) Perforaing archival research - archival research should examine factors ~uch <br /> as the area's historical or prehistoric development, political boundaries, <br /> settlement patterns, and geographic features. Good sources of historic <br /> information include back issues of newspapers and periodicals, city directories, <br /> census records, old maps and photographs, Sanborn Insurance maps, county <br /> histories, tax rolls, and deed records. Local libraries and county courthouses <br /> often have many of these and other historical records. Prehistoric background <br /> information can be found in published and unpublished studies, theses, and <br /> dissertations. <br /> The Texas State Library and Archives in Austin, the Barker Texas History Center <br /> at the University of Texas, the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech, the Institute <br /> of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, the THC libraries and other State and local <br /> archives are useful resource centers for both historic and prehistoric reference <br /> materials. <br /> Locally collected information is vital in any survey effort. Displays and <br /> collections at libraries, schools, or museums, articles in local newspapers, <br /> guided tours of historic homes, meetings with local groups or clubs, and oral <br /> history projects can all help gather information and local support for a survey. <br /> Local historians, genealogists, and other knowledgeable individuals also should <br /> be enlisted in the effort. <br /> 2) Field Work and Recording Procedures - field work usually may be categorized as <br /> reconnaissance or intensive surveys. A reconnaissance survey should document: <br /> a) The boundaries of the area surveyed; <br /> b) Major properties predating 1950; <br /> c) The method of survey, including the extent of survey coverage; <br /> d) Comment on the kinds of historic properties present in the survey area; <br /> e) Specific properties that were identified, and the categories of <br /> information collected <br /> f) Areas examined that did not yield historic properties. <br /> An intensive survey should document: <br /> a) The boundaries of the area surveyed; <br /> b) All properties predating 1950; <br /> c) The method of survey, including an estimate of the extent of coverage; <br /> d) A record of the precise location of all properties identified; <br /> e) Information on the appearance, significance, integrity, and boundaries <br /> of each property sufficient to permit an evaluation of its significance <br /> f) Comment on and estimates of areas where resources have been lost. <br /> 7 <br />