COVER FEATURE: WORKING TO MANAGE THE TRAILS
BY TAMARA STEWART
The Bureau of Land Management’s ambitious project documented roughly 900 miles of the West’s most important historic trails.
Page 24
THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC
BY JULIAN SMITH
Researchers are studying the practice of witchcraft and sorcery in ancient Mesoamerica.
Page 12
FIGHTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL CRIME
BY MIKE TONER
Archaeologists and law enforcement officials are battling looters and vandals.
Page 18
REVEALING THE REAL ROATAN
BY MICHAEL BAWAYA
Little is known about the history of Roatán, an island off the coast of Honduras that draws many tourists. It is sometimes falsely presented as a Maya site, because it’s thought that will make it more appealing to visitors. Now an archaeological project is uncovering the island’s true history.
Page 30
STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
BY KELLI WHITLOCK BURTON
An investigation of Pleasant Hill, a Shaker community, reveals how its residents tried to achieve perfection.
Page 37