The Eusebio Padilla Homestead was patented in 1909. The site is located in Clark Canyon in a flat bottom and is surrounded on all sides by canyon slopes. It is located approximately 1200 meters northwest of 5LA.11732 (Goat Ranch). The majority of the stone structures are intact except for collapsed roofs. The majority of the disturbance is natural (i.e. water, wind and animal activity). The site represents a small plaza complex in Clark Canyon. Features include a large sandstone complex with an adobe addition containing a corner fireplace and associated artifacts, concrete lined cisterns, a sandstone lined dugouts, a small rectangular sandstone foundation for outhouse with flagstone walk, a stone corral abutting a post and wire corral, a one room partially collapsed sandstone structure with associated roof viga and juniper latillas, and a square stone animal enclosure incorporating large boulder outcrops. The artifacts observed consist of an array of domestic and architectural artifacts. The bottle/jar glass consists of clear, light green, milk glass, amethyst, aqua and cobalt with all but the milk glass and cobalt containing evidence of modification. The ceramics evidence a moderate number of white glazed earthenware and minimal amounts of refined earthenware, decorated earthenware and porcelain (food consumption). The food storage ceramics (crocks/jugs) occur in minimal numbers. Additional food items are sanitary tin cans. The architectural artifacts are the most numerous and represent all items that were incorporated in a structure, both natural and manufactured. An example is represented by the numerous fieldstone used to construct the main structural elements. Although nails occur in moderate quantities, dimensioned lumber occurs only minimally. On the other hand, the number of raw logs, and one hewn log, occur in high numbers. Additionally, window glass is present in high quantities. Miscellaneous tin (i.e. roof, siding, etc.) only minimally present. Other artifacts present in minimal numbers include barrel hoops, barbed and baling wire, a tin bucket and windmill blades. The general domestic items, associated with the general household include a copper chimney lamp generator, one piece zinc jar lid. Also an item that represents an element of the household, in part, are recreational artifacts that include toys. A toy wagon wheel rim was also observed. Generally, the artifacts have date range of ca. 1869 through 1960s, although specific artifacts can be dated more specifically and represent the overall occupation of the site. There are several features with potential to contain subsurface deposits within the structural features. There is also subsurface deposit potential within the courtyard area. Additional features with archaeological potential are the two cisterns and the two outhouses. Site 5LA.11741 represents an early 20th century Hispanic homestead arranged in the form of a plaza with antecedent New Mexican roots. The site is eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Colorado State Register of Historic Places (CSRHP). Site 5LA.11741 is considered eligible to the National Register of Historic Places with a local level significance under the Areas of Significance of Settlement, Agriculture, and Ethnic Heritage. It contains a limited array of manufactured artifacts with the majority being architecturally related artifacts. The site occupation based on both archival and artifactual data is c.1905- 1930. There are a number of architectural and archaeological sites in the Purgatoire Valley project area that would make excellent additions to a national register landscape district. Potential themes include ethnicity, religion, vernacular architectural styles, etc. This site would make an excellent candidate for such a listing.
5LA.11741 Overview of extensive corral complex (Feature 9b). Located east of Feature 1 (main house)
Survey Results: Intensive-level Survey Cultural Resources Survey of the Purgatoire River Region
5LA.11741 Eusebio Padilla Homestead
5LA.11741 Overview of Feature 2 (foundation remains) in foreground. Feature 1a (stone structure and foundations of main house)
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