Recognizing & Interpreting Historical Materials (Insulators & Ammunition)

This presentation offers a summary of the development of glass and ceramic insulators, as well as ammunition, during the late historical period (circa 1865–1972). These types of artifacts are frequently found on archaeological sites and other historical resources in Arizona, such as buildings, structures, and objects. Arizona, once referred to as the “Baby State,” saw the shaping of its rural and urban landscapes during this era. Insulators played a crucial role in the early telegraph lines, particularly during the peak railroad development period. As telephone service and electrical power became successful in the twentieth century, insulators were produced in various styles to suit different utility and transmission lines. While firearms are seldom discovered during archaeological surveys, spent cartridges and shotshells are more commonly recorded. Archaeologists face the challenge of determining whether the ammunition found on sites is associated with the site itself or with later hunting or recreational activities.

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