The Gault Site has been known by archaeologists for at least 78 years. In 1929, the first anthropologist at the University of Texas, J.E. Pearce, had a crew excavating at the site for eight weeks. Though primarily interested in the Archaic burnt-rock midden showing on the surface Pearce’s crew managed to excavate a handful of Paleoindian artifacts including Clovis cultural materials more than 2 years before the discoveries at Blackwater Draw.

During excavations by the Gault School of Archaeological Research between 1999 and 2013 more than 2.6 million artifacts were recovered – about 600,000 of them of Clovis age (12,700-13,500 years ago). A unique Clovis feature, a stone floor, was discovered as well as more than one hundred engraved stones – amongst the earliest art in the Americas. More than 150,000 artifacts from an earlier occupation, between 16,000-21,000 years ago were also found here.

Currently we have two options for touring the Gault Site. Tours are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. To arrange a visit on one of these days, please directly contact one of our education partners.

To schedule a tour, please contact one of our education partners:

• Bell County Museum – Website – Email
• The Williamson Museum – Website – Email

Alternatively, if you have a party of 12 or more persons and would like a private tour, please contact us directly at tours@gaultschool.org

When booking your tour, please be aware that each guest in the tour must complete a GSAR Liability Form upon arrival at the Gault Site.

What to expect on your tour?
The Gault Site is situated in the spring-fed Buttermilk Creek valley. Our tours guide you through a gentle trek across a portion of this valley, where you’ll navigate small hills and gravel paths. We recommend wearing sturdy walking or trekking shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather. Please note, tours may be rescheduled during rainy or excessively hot conditions to ensure everyone’s safety. Given the unpredictable nature of Texas Hill Country weather, safety remains our top priority.

Tours typically last around 2 hours and are led by one of our organization’s knowledgeable representatives. These tours are family-friendly, offering hands-on experiences that engage both children and adults in geology, ecology, natural sciences, anthropology, and archaeology. Additionally, some tours can be tailored to include atlatl dart technology and flint knapping demonstrations.

Tour prices:

• $20 per Adult (ages 13 and up)
• $10 per Child (ages 9-12)
• Complimentary for children 8 and under
• K-12 Classroom and Educator tours: FREE
• For School Field Trips, please reach out to GSAR directly

For more details and to schedule a tour, email us at: tours@gaultschool.org

Visit us (by appointment only)
Gault Site Gate Address:
3433 FM 2843
Florence, Texas 76527

Look out for the prominent stone monument by the roadside—it marks our gate. The parking area is about 100 meters inside, on the left. Our tour guides will greet you there. Can’t wait to see you soon!

• Upcoming documentary features the Gault site
• Archaeologists Say Humans May Have Come To Texas Earlier Than Previously Thought | Texas Standard
• The Gault Site in Central Texas Reveals New Details About the Oldest North Americans Archeologists have found artifacts thought to be from people who lived 18,000 years ago. The Gault Site in Central Texas Reveals New Details About the Oldest North Americans (texashighways.com)
• Spotlighting the Holdings of Texas Historic Foundation Institution Members, Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum, Nocona; by Dr. Sergio Ayala.