Guam National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

nism of a Japanese type 99 short rifle was recovered from an archaeological test unit located along the base
of the limestone terrace directly south of the main NAVFAC security compound. It is possible that the gun
was lost during the period of Japanese occupation, or by one of the survivors after the end of the war.
Kurashina’s investigations suggest that while the Naval facility may have damaged the integrity of the
archaeological deposit, it has not completely obliterated it. The potential to recover information about the
early Chamorro and initial missionary period on Guam appears to be high.
During the small testing project undertaken in 2000 at Ritidian prior to construction of several snake pens,
excavation revealed:
“the partially buried remains of three post-WWII concrete structures; one probably ‘deadman’
with three metal cable supports, and two small concrete pads. Fragments of metal roofing and
possible cable supports were located near the easternmost concrete pad just outside the northeast
corner of the pen, and a pile of discarded wooden posts was located in the approximate center of
the snake pen area. Limited subsurface testing was then conducted at regular 10 m intervals
along the boundaries of the proposed 20 x 20 m pen where the trench for the wall footings would
be placed. The purpose of the excavation was to determine the horizontal and vertical extent of
any subsurface deposits, as well as the time period and nature of buried prehistoric remains.
One test unit encountered the buried remains of a post-WWII concrete pad beneath several
layers of probable storm disturbed sands. The remaining seven test units revealed the presence
of one thin but undisturbed prehistoric horizon situated between two layers of natural dune
sands. This cultural layer contained very sparse remains of traditional ceramics and marine
shell, indicating that the snake pen area was located at the fringes of a prehistoric habitation
zone during the Latte Phase, between approximately AD 1000 and European Contact in 1521"
(Dixon 2000:iii).
No features or artifact concentrations were identified in this area. It appears that this area of the beach
strand was not heavily occupied or that storms and construction disturbances have obliterated the evidence.
Pajon Point Site (66-08-0013)
Status: Listed on the Guam Register of Historic Places on July 3, 1974. Nominated but not listed on the
National Register of Historic Places
Description: Located on the eastern side of Ritidian Point and extending toward Pajon Point are the
concentrated remains of a village-type assemblage. The entry for the Pajon Point site in the National
Register Form indicates that disturbed latte structures and extensive midden deposits are found at the site
and it appears to be a prehistoric Chamorro settlement. Reinman identified the site and completed the
documentation for Guam Register of Historic Places status. The site is, by consensus, deemed a historic
property because of its research potential, but while it was submitted for listing on the NRHP in 1980, the
Chief of the Branch of Registration returned it with a list of items to be addressed prior to resubmittal. It
does not appear that the changes were ever made or the form resubmitted. It is therefore not formally
listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Documentation of the Pajon Point site is extremely limited. The types of artifacts, presence of features, and
location of latte stones are not detailed on a sketch map. While the Ritidian Point site has been tested several
times with subsurface information indicating a long period of use and complexity of the deposits, no similar
studies have been conducted at Pajon Point. The site is within a restricted zone and may contain intact
deposits, so its research potential, while not adequately evaluated, may be high.
Guam NWR - Cultural Resources Overview and Management Plan - 2006
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