Santa Fe Engine House Archaeological Dig, See Now!

I hope this posting isn't too late for most of you. The Museum of New Mexico in currently excavating all areas surrounding the historic downtown depot in Santa Fe and has now completly excavated and exposed the foundation and inspection pits at the site of the D&RGW "Chili Line" two stall engine house in the vacant area just west of the active yard. There are two plainly visible deep inspection pits, exposed buried ties, the surrounding foundations etc., for all to see, at this time surrounded by a protective orange fence. Lots of stuff is there; little bits and pieces of metal, carriage bolts, spikes, pieces of china and even an old high button shoe were discovered on the site. The plan is to document everything and then back fill and level the whole area for a parking lot per the City of Santa Fe railyard development plan. It is urgent that people with the ability and curiosity for historical preservation, get down there ASAP and take some photos! Again, all this is going to be leveled soon and this is one of only two NG engine house inspection pits in the surrounding area, the other being in Chama. This one is very old fashioned looking, stone-lined. The museum of NM is having and open house, interpretation of the site on Saturday, May 21. After that, all will be re-buried and leveled. According to the site Archaeologist, the discovery came too late in the development plan to incorporate it into any future structure or garden / park area. Too bad! It would make an interesting looking fountain / pool or hanging garden in a plaza of some kind. Check it out quick before it's gone!
Santa Fe Slim