A Dendroarchaeological Evaluation of a Log Cabin in Mariposa, CA

Abstract:

  The objective of this study is to determine the construction date of a cabin in Mariposa, California, near Yosemite National Park. Dendroarchaeological methods are used to determine the cut date of logs used in the construction of the cabin. We sampled timber from the foundation and floor support beams of the cabin using a dendroarchaeological power drill and bit saw. We also sampled live trees nearby using an increment borer. Cores were measured and cross-dated to determine the age of the live trees and will be used to determine the cut-dates of cabin timbers. Oral history accounts of the cabin state that it was either a coachman’s residence or a stop along the stagecoach route. The cabin is located about 400 meters from Coachmen Road which links up to Chowchilla Mountain Road. Chowchilla Mountain Road, also known as Wawona Road, was one of the main wagon roads into the park. If the cut-dates of the timber for cabin construction coincide with 1870 and 1910, we will have data to help support that the cabin was indeed a coachmen’s residence or stop along the stagecoach route.   

Keywords: Dendroarchaeology, Tree rings, Mariposa, Yosemite, Cabin

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