In 1899, when Prof. H. T. Martin of the University of Kansas made the first archeological excavations of El Cuartelejo, most of the lower part of the original stone work was still in place, and evidence of several other buildings about 100 yards south and 25 yards north was also reported. Later archeological work by the Smithsonian Institution in 1939, Northern Illinois University in 1965, and the Kansas State Historical Society in 1970 located borrow pits near the pueblo walls containing numerous discarded Apache stone and bone tools, ornament, pottery sherds, and butchered animal bones, indicating a lengthy occupancy by a considerable number of people. Small quantities of Puebloan, Wichita Indian, and European trade pieces were also recovered. Post holes wedged with bone along the south side of the pueblo pointed to a work area covered by a portallis or porch-like shelter, and the floors of two Apache lodges were discovered and excavated about 700 yards north near Ladder Creek.