Old Site Records and a New Perspective on Prehistoric Settlement Stability

Don Laylander

Archaeologists approach the problem of reconstructing the prehistoric past with a variety of strategies and methods. Among these are intensive site excavations, the restudy of curated archaeological collections, archaeological surveys of sizeable areas, and the analysis of a region’s previously collected site records. Each of these approaches has both advantages and drawbacks.

September’s talk will address the last of these methods, focusing specifically on a study of 2,319 prehistoric site records that were previously documented for the 420 mi2 McCain-Jacumba-Ocotillo area in southeastern San Diego County and southwestern Imperial County. Out of results on a variety of topics arising from this study, the talk will consider the question of prehistoric stability or change in the locations of habitation sites and what their implications may be concerning prehistoric demography and mobility strategies.

Don Laylander received a BA in history from UCLA and an MA in anthropology from San Diego State University. Now retired, he has participated in archaeology throughout most parts of California, including working extensively for the U.S. Forest Service, Caltrans, and, most recently, ASM Affiliates. His talk will be based on a study done for the BLM in 2013–2015. Don has been a frequent contributor to the PCAS Quarterly and has published dozens of articles in various publications that have delved into diverse aspects of the prehistory of Alta and Baja California.

Presented to the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society (PCAS) on September 8, 2022.