Welcome!

Information for Visiting Groups

We look forward to your impending visit to the Gault site. We owe many of the discoveries and accomplishments at Gault to the efforts of volunteers such as yourself. Enclosed is information that we hope will make your visit more productive, comfortable and enjoyable. If you have any further questions the GSAR staff will be happy to help you. On behalf of the Gault School we hope you have a great experience!

Dr. Michael B. Collins

Dr. D. Clark Wernecke

Chairman

Executive Director

Contact information: The Gault School of Archaeological Research P.O. Box 2620 San Marcos, TX 78667 Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-689-8779

A Short History of the Gault Site The Gault site has been known professionally since 1929. In that year J.E. Pearce, the first archaeologist in Texas, worked for six weeks on Henry Gault’s farm looking at a large Archaic burnt rock midden. Over the next 62 years the site was extensively looted and collected and even spent time as a pay-to-dig site. Because of this attention professional archaeologists had written the site off as destroyed. In 1991 a collector found incised stones associated with a Clovis point and a brief test excavation revealed extensive intact paleoindian strata below the now-mixed Archaic levels. An ownership change in 1998 and the find of a mammoth mandible and associated Clovis artifacts made possible further professional excavation. The Gault Project excavated the site from 1999-2002 recovering more than 1.2 million artifacts, faunal and environmental samples and startling paleoindian features such as a stone pavement. Subsequent negotiations with the landowners led to the purchase of the site and its donation to the Archaeological Conservancy. Since 2007 the Gault School of Archaeological Research, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has administered and maintained the site as well as conducted further research there, The Gault site is a protected Texas State Archeological Landmark.

Transportation Austin, Texas is the nearest transportation hub to Gault. Austin is served by buses, Amtrak (the Texas Eagle), and many national airlines. For those driving it is located a short distance from a major expressway, I35, about 40 miles north of Austin (see next page for detailed map). The GSAR does not have ability to chauffeur our guests to the site so you must make plans accordingly. Austin has offices for all the major car rental agencies and we suggest, for groups, van rental. The GSAR has had good luck in the past with: Capps Van & Truck Rental 4300 Airport Blvd Austin, TX 78722 512-323-0003 While you can take I35 north from Austin and the airport to reach the site the expressway is often congested and somewhat slow driving. An alternative route is available just two miles east of the airport – the Hwy 130 Tollway. It will cost you some money but it bypasses Austin and ends at the Florence exit at I35 and will save significant time on your trip.

Directions to the Gault Site From the South I-35N to exit #266 Florence/Killeen/195

From the North I-35S to exit #283, stay on feeder road about ½ mile

Turn Left follow 195, 15 miles to Florence

Turn Right on FM 2843, follow for 11 miles

Turn Right at Stoplight on 487, follow 4 miles Turn Left on FM 2843, go 3.5 miles

Go south past the Williamson County line sign about 200 yards (if you pass Salado Quarry Pit #2 sign, turn around).

House on the left/west (3433) with red tiles is Gault School field house, next drive on left with two black mailboxes (3455) is the Gault Site (red stop sign on gate)

Gault site is on your right/west with two black mailboxes and red stop sign on gate (3455) and automatic gate, (address # series in Bell County is different than in Williamson)

The Property showing GSAR and Archaeological Conservancy boundaries.

Oblique view of facilities and excavation area

Accommodations Camping: The Gault Site has a designated unimproved camping site, a mowed area about 150 yards behind the field house. There are four field showers nearby fed from a water tower. The project has two porta-potties near our field lab about 550 yards from the camping area. Additional toilets can be rented by groups (current price is around $85/mo) through the GSAR office. In recent years we have had a nearly continual county burn ban so any use of a campfire requires the prior approval of the GSAR staff.

GSAR Field House: The field house is a two bedroom/one bath house with approximately 1000 square feet. One bedroom contains two twin beds, the other contains two bunk beds. There is a living area, dining room and a large kitchen that has been outfitted to feed large groups (see next page). The kitchen has a refrigerator, multiple coffee makers, microwave, electric range/stove, toaster , and crock pot. It also has large cooking pots, dishes, and utensils. No linens are provided so plan on sleeping bags or your own sheets & blankets. The address of the field house is: 3433 FM 2843 Florence, TX 76527 There is a phone for emergency (or incoming call use): 254-793-2573 All outgoing calls other than local must be made with a calling card or operator assistance.

Hotels/Motels: There are many hotels/motels within a reasonable driving distance of Gault along I35. To the north, in Salado (about 12 miles away) there is a Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Super 8 Motel. To the south of Gault (beginning about 14 miles away) in Georgetown and Round Rock there are numerous motels including La Quinta, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Budget Inn. While the GSAR staff is happy to answer questions and give advice we cannot make reservations for you.

P.O. Box 2620 San Marcos, TX 78667

Suggested Packing List Tent Pad or mattress Sleeping bag (or linens if staying in the house) Towels Toiletries Sunscreen Insect repellent Camera Field log/journal Gloves Hat Water bottle Rain gear (some like to wear rain suits when wet screening) Flashlight First-aid kit Boots A pair of dry/clean shoes Flip flops or water shoes for outdoor showers Clothing dependent on the time of year. Dressing in layers is recommended because even very hot days often start off cool. Feb/March tend to be the most unsettled weather with temps ranging from 80 to 30 degrees F in a day, or sun to rain to snow and back. Personal dig kit: trowel, 3m tape, line level, paint brushes, compass, folding metric carpenters rule, plumb bob etc. Average Temperatures/Rainfall by Month Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (rounded) and Rainfall in inches (rounded) Month Temperature Rainfall January 50 1.9 February 54 2.4 March 61 2.2 April 68 3.3 May 75 4.4 June 82 3.0 July 84 2.2 August 84 2.3 September 79 3.5 October 70 3.3 November 59 2.5 December 52 2.5 Averages may vary by a few degrees due to rounding and the range of data used by various sources

Florence, TX ATM’s Chevron Station 107 S. Patterson Ave. Florence (surcharge free) Florence Country Store 12061 Hwy 195 Florence Union State Bank 100 E. Main St. Florence Groceries Vic’s Grocery 217 E. Main St. Florence 254-793-2260 food, beer, sub sandwiches Florence Country Store 12061 Hwy 195 Florence 254-793-2110 beer, soda, milk, sundries Andice General Store 6500 FM 970 Andice 254-793-3971 basics +great burgers HEB 4500 Williams Dr. (2338) Georgetown 512-863-4427 warehouse grocery store Wal-Mart Supercenter 620 South IH 35 Georgetown 512-863-4855 (next to Home Depot) Hardware Florence Hardware 219 E. Main St. Florence 254-793-2111 basic hardware Home Depot 1303 Rivery Blvd. Georgetown 512-868-3682 South of Williams Dr. on the southbound frontage road of I35 Laundromat Mano’s Washeteria next to Mano’s Restaurant, hours depend on business Liquor Store Linda’s Liquors 509 Brewster St. Florence 254-793-0028 Mon-Sat 10-9 Pharmacy Pharcraft 211 E. Main St. Florence 254-793-3267 CVS 4426 Williams Dr. Georgetown 512-869-2506 full pharmacy +MinuteClinic (next to HEB) Wal-Mart Supercenter 620 South IH 35 Georgetown 512-863-4855 (next to Home Depot) Restaurants El Charrito 100 E. Bennet St. Florence 254-793-3127 Mexican Florence Country Store 12061 Hwy 195 Florence 254-793-2110 Café with lg. menu and specials & take out Katies Kitchen 208 E. Main St. Florence 254-793-8100 Homecooking, closed Mon., open Tues-Sat. 6Am- 2PM Mano’s Mexican Food 103 N. Patterson Ave. Florence 254-793-3870 Traditional Mexican & take out Mon-Sat. 11AM – 9PM Rattlesnake Inn 90606 State Highway 195 Florence 254-793-3600 Good food & live music 6 miles east of Florence Towing/Wrecker Services Lee’s Paint & Body Shop 8105 Highway 195 Florence 254-793-2961

Some Site Rules Gault site driveway: In order to protect and prolong the life of the site access road we ask that guests park at the house or in the parking area behind the house and walk back to the site unless unable to. We try to keep the number of vehicles at the field lab to a minimum. Driving down onto the site should not be done without permission from a GSAR staff member.

Fire: Conditions are often ripe for a wildfire out at Gault. Even in wet years there is plenty of dry grass and brush to fuel a fire. Smoking is prohibited on the site and we ask those staying in the field house to restrict any smoking to the front porch. Any use of open flame should be done only with the permission of a GSAR staff member.

Archaeology: There is a lot of surface material at Gault. Please feel free to pick things up, comment on them, pass them around etc. BUT then throw them back on the ground where you found them. You cannot keep anything you find at the site and the GSAR discourages uncontrolled surface collecting. If you spot something that you feel should be collected (for instance we DO collect all projectile points) ask a staff member if it should be collected.

Boundaries: There is a map of the boundaries of both the Archaeological Conservancy and GSAR properties in this package (they also are well fenced). Please do not trespass on our neighbors land.

Water: The water from the windmill at the field house is potable and is tested yearly. Since this is a shallow well and supplies can only be replenished when there is a good wind try to conserve as much as possible. The field showers also use this as a source of water as does the field lab. The same awareness of conservation should apply to the wet screen area – do not run the pump any more than necessary.

Knapping: We know that some of our guests are devoted flintknappers and the GSAR tries to keep some knapable chert available at the field house for this use. There is a designated area that has been determined to be without archaeological value behind the field house for this purpose (you’ll see the debitage). Please do not knap anywhere else on the property or collect and knap chert from the property.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS! This Release and Waiver of Liability (the "release") is executed on this (date), __________________ by (name) _______________________________, in favor of the Gault School of Archaeological Research, a Texas non-profit corporation, (hereinafter referred to as "GSAR"), its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns, and that I desire to work as a volunteer for the GSAR and engage in the activities released to being a volunteer. I understand that the activities may include archaeological field and lab work as well as site maintenance duties. I do hereby freely, voluntarily and without duress execute this Release under the following terms: 1.

Waiver and Release. I do hereby release and forever discharge and hold harmless the GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns from any and all liability, claims and demands of any kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may heretofore arise from my work for the GSAR. a. I understand and acknowledge that this Release discharges GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns from any liability or claim I may have against GSAR with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death or property damage that may result from my work for GSAR, whether caused by the negligence of GSAR or its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns. b. I also understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by GSAR in writing, GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns does not assume any responsibility for or obligation to provide financial assistance or other assistance, including but not limited to medical, health or disability insurance, in the event of injury or illness.

2.

Medical Treatment. I do hereby release and forever discharge GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns from any claim whatsoever that arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment or service rendered in connection with the my work for GSAR.

3.

Assumption of the Risk. I understand that the work for GSAR may include activities that may be hazardous to me, including, but not limited to, exposure to poisonous plants, wildlife, excavation and use of hand and power tools. I understand that while working for GSAR, I will work under control, and in a careful, prudent manner. I will avoid careless and reckless behavior while working for GSAR or while on the job site, and agrees he will heed the instruction of the authorized GSAR Site Manager. Violation of this agreement shall be grounds for the GSAR Site Manager to remove me from the GSAR site. I hereby release, agree to hold harmless and indemnify GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns from any and all liability for damage and/or injury to me or to any other person or property resulting from its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns, including subcontractors. I accept full responsibility for any and all such damage and/or injury, which may result from or during my work with the GSAR.

4.

Insurance. I understand that, except as otherwise agreed to by GSAR in writing; GSAR does not carry or maintain health, medical or disability insurance coverage for any volunteer, and that each volunteer is expected and encouraged to obtain his/her own medical health insurance coverage.

5.

Photographic Release. I approve the use by the GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns and other sponsoring organizations of any photographs of me or members of my family taken by approved photographers during scheduled GSAR activities for use in publications or publicity and promotional projects as deemed appropriate.

6.

Publication. I acknowledge that all information obtained by me during my participation in GSAR activities, including any cultural remains, samples, reports, drawings, plans, maps, summaries, written material, measurements, locations, photographs, video, analysis, or other such related information is the exclusive property of the GSAR or its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns. I fully acknowledge that I may not cause to be published or reported, either orally or in writing, any of the above described information to any third persons without obtaining the express written consent of the GSAR or its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns. I agree to be fully bound by the laws of the State of Texas in the event of any unauthorized publication of those materials initiated by me.

7.

Other. I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of Texas and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. I agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release shall be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release which shall continue to be enforceable.

8.

By executing in the space provided below, I AGREE TO RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, PROTECT, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS GSAR, its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns, from and against any and all claims, costs, demands, causes of action, suits or other litigation (including all costs, thereof and attorneys fees) and from any and all liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses arising through, in connections with or in favor of myself, my family, heirs, executors, personal representatives, agents, or employees, on account of personal injuries, death or damage to property in any way occurring, incident to, arising out of, or in connection with service or materials to be furnished by me or work to be performed by me under this agreement, regardless of whether or not caused by the joint, concurrent or sole negligence, fault or strict liability of the GSAR its directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, successors, heirs, and assigns.

Volunteer: ________________________________ Print Name

Witness: __________________________________________ Print Name

Volunteer: ________________________________ Signature Date: _____________________________________

Witness: __________________________________________ Signature Date: _____________________________________________

Address: ______________________City_________, State _____ZIP _________ Phone (H): ________________________________ Phone (W): ________________________________ Emergency Contact Name: _________________________ Emergency Phone____________________ If volunteer is under 18 years of age please have parent or legal guardian sign below. I agree to all of the above on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, our heirs, successors, assigns, agents or representatives. Signature of Parent or Guardian: ___________________________ Date: ____________________ Signature Print Name: ___________________________________________