Cast Iron Toy Locomotive

February’s artifact is a cast iron toy locomotive found at the Ocotillo Road site in Cave Creek.  The property is now a private residence. When the archaeologists began working there in 1989, it was vacant except for stone foundations and wall fragments of several historic structures.

Excavations unearthed many historic artifacts.  This locomotive may date back to the late 1800s, like some other items from the site. Below the historic artifacts, some prehistoric artifacts were found.  The property is near the creek and has been used by many people since ancient times.

For more information about the Ocotillo Road site, see its exhibit in the Archaeology Wing.  For more antique toys, see the toy exhibit in the auditorium.