Archaeological Survey and Testing at Rancho de las Cabras, Wilson County, Texas

Abstract

During summer 1980 a program of archaeological survey and testing was carried out by the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Anionio, for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at the site of Rancho de las Cabras near Floresville, Texas. The site is reputed to be the livestock ranch of Mission San Fran~isco de la Espada in the late 18th century. Large areas of the site were surveyed to determine if prehistoric sites were present. The limits of the historic occupation were determined through surface survey and shovel testing. Archaeological testing within and adjacent to the historic ruins located architectural and-cultural features which will need. further excavation and study. The depth and composition of the historic deposits throughout the site were tested and recorded. A map of the compound was prepared in cooperation with professional surveyors provided by the Parks and Wildlife Department. Recommendations for future historical and archaeological research are included in the report.

Archaeological and Historical Investigations at Rancho de las Cabras, 41WN30, Wilson County, Texas: Fourth Season

“…During the survey part of the 1980 investigation, a limited number of prehistoric lithic artifacts were recovered. These artifacts were located mainly along the northern quarter of the northeastern fence line and are probably from an aboriginal site across the fence line to the northeast (Ivey and Fox 1981). Other chert fragments observed during the survey were determined to be a result of plow manufacture (Ivey and Fox 1981).…”

“…Details of construction and renovations of the ranch site have been reviewed by Ivey (1983) and Jones (Jones and Fox 1983). Three seasons of archaeological excavations were conducted at las Cabras by CAR for TPWD prior to 1983 (Ivey and Fox 1981;Ivey 1983;Jones and Fox 1983). A fifth season was conducted in 1984 (Taylor and Fox 1985).…”

“…The 1980 season was the first testing project at las Cabras, and little was known about the archaeology and the history of the site. The goals of this season were to determine the vertical andhorizontal extent of the cultural deposits, identify architectural features and the type of materials used in the construction of those features, locate trash middens, and, lastly, identify (if such existed) non-cultural resource areas to be used in the future development of a visitor's center and access road to Rancho de las Cabras (Ivey and Fox 1981).…”

“…Various other features uncovered included a possible well, a section of a plaster floor, occupation surfaces of hardpacked tan clay, hearth features, post holes, a jacal wall trench, manure layers, and disturbed areas presumably associated with pot hunters' backdirt (Ivey and Fox 1981).…”

“…360. Three previous seasons of excavations had been carried out at the site by CAR (Ivey and Fox 1981;Ivey 1983;Jones and Fox 1983). The 1983 season's field work was authorized by an interagency contract between the State of Texas and CAR.…”