1998 Excavation to find original wall

Long before the first white settlers arrived here, the Native Indians made their camps in these meadows and drank the water from this oasis in the desert. To the right, archeologist Donn Ivey holds a bone awl found on the site.

Also found was a charcoal and ash pit, possibly from the blacksmith.

Finding part of the "Old Fort" wall, Arheologist Bruce Baker digs along the base looking for the original footings. The only surviving part of the original Fort can be seen in the background.

Above photos by Ralph Fountain, Las Vegas Review Journal

1973 Excavation of Stewart Family Plot

Bunker Brothers Mortuary bought the 4 acre Stewart family cemetery in 1970. In 1973 the seven people buried there were relocated to Bunker's Eden Vale Mausoleum, "just a stone's throw" from the old ranch.

The first person to be buried in the family plot was Archie Stewart in 1884, the murdered husband of Helen J. Stewart. The second person was the area's first school teacher James Ross Megarrigle, buried in 1894. Then came 14 year-old Archie Jr. in 1899. After young Archie was an Indian girl name Nipe. Followed by Hiram Stewart in 1902. Helen Stewart would rest there in 1926. Helen's oldest son Will, was also among those moved to the mausoleum.