Burials from the Santa Barbara Presidio Chapel

Nearly twenty years ago, three burials were excavated from the floor of the chapel at the site of El Real Presidio de Santa Bárbara, California. Two of the graves contained only sparse remains while Burial #3 consisted of the nearly complete skeleton of a young woman and included fragments of material and ornaments from her clothing. Osteological analysis, study of associated artifacts, and documentary research have resulted in tentative identification of two of the individuals and have provided information on the genetic affinities, health, burial practices, and clothing styles of this early 19th century Hispanic community.