Mission Espíritu Santo

Members of the Texas Archeological Society participated in two, week-long field schools in the summers of 1996 and 1997 under the direction of Dr. Thomas R. Hester. Field school headquarters and a tent camp for participants were established on a private ranch where the third mission site (41VT11) is located. In addition to work at that site, which uncovered the remains of the mission and lime kiln, members conducted archeological surveys through dense thorny brush on neighboring ranches and tested additional sites, including the second location of Mission Espiritu Santo (41VT10) in Victoria City Park. During the course of the field schools, new members as well as younger participants in the TAS Youth Program learned the intricacies of excavation, screening, and cataloguing artifacts. Programs and demonstrations, on such topics as making aboriginal pottery over an open fire, were given throughout the week.

During the 1997 field school, members enjoyed swimming and tubing in the nearby Guadalupe River during off-work hours, especially when temperatures frequently pushed into triple digits.At the 1998 field school, however, operations periodically were set back by rains that drenched excavation units. The rains brought mixed blessings before and after as well. In the spring prior to the start of field school, heavy downpours caused the Guadalupe to flood its banks, serendipitously exposing the first traces of a Spanish Colonial lime kiln in the riverbank. TAS members excavated the kiln, which emerged in an excellent state of preservation in spite of almost 300 years of exposure to the river's whims. Given the important materials that were uncovered, the excavations came in the nick of time. In the Fall following the 1998 field school, monsoon rains sent the Guadalupe on a historic rampage, flooding the countryside well beyond its banks. Some compared its size to that of the mile- wide Mississippi.

In spite of weather and often difficult conditions, the TAS members persevered, making considerable contributions to our understanding of life at the missions and Spanish Colonial architecture. In the process, they had a great time.

The TAS field school is held annually to promote learning in archeology, contribute to archeological knowledge about prehistoric and historic sites, and provide a great community experience. To learn more about becoming a member, visit the TAS website.

Editor's note: This section benefited from the thoughts and recollections of May Schmidt, TARL librarian and 30-year+ TAS field school attendee.