Born: 1914 (Altus, Oklahoma)
Died: 2010
Biography:
Kathleen K. Gilmore (November 12, 1914 – March 18, 2010) was an American archaeologist and specialist on Spanish colonial archaeology. She is widely known as the first archaeologist to prove the location of Fort St. Louis, established by the French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. Gilmore’s groundbreaking work in historical archaeology and her significant contributions to the understanding of the colonial period have left an indelible mark on the field.
Early Life:
Kathleen Kirk was born on November 12, 1914, in Altus, Jackson County, Oklahoma, to Jesse (née Horton) and Rufus Patrick Kirk. She grew up in Altus until the age of twelve when her family moved to Tulsa. It was in Tulsa where Kathleen completed her secondary education. With a fascination for geology, she began her studies at the University of Tulsa. However, after three years, she transferred to the University of Oklahoma (OU), where she obtained a bachelor of science degree. Unfortunately, despite her aspirations to work in the petroleum industry, job opportunities for women were scarce during the Great Depression. Kathleen decided to enroll in business school to learn secretarial skills.
Career:
During her time as a student, Kathleen worked at the Bone and Joint Center in Tulsa and the TU Library. After graduation, she struggled to find employment in her chosen field but eventually landed a job as an editorial assistant at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in Tulsa. However, she yearned for a more fulfilling career. In the late 1930s, Kathleen moved to Houston and worked as a stenographer for Humble Oil. Though her employers recognized her knowledge of geological terms, she was hired as administrative staff. Frustrated with her position, Kathleen left to work as a typist with Superior Oil Company in Corpus Christi. She later returned to Houston and joined Standard Oil of Kansas, where she remained until her marriage to petroleum engineer Robert Beattie Gilmore on Christmas Day of 1940.
After their marriage, the couple settled in Dallas, where Robert pursued a career with DeGolyer and MacNaughton. Meanwhile, Kathleen dedicated herself to raising their four daughters: Betsy, Judy, Pat, and Sally. In the early 1960s, however, she discovered her passion for archaeology and became involved with the Dallas Archaeological Society. This newfound interest led her to participate in field schools hosted around Dallas, including one of her first digs at the Gilbert site in Rains County, Texas, in 1962. Encouraged by her experiences, Kathleen enrolled in a graduate-level anthropology program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 1963, where she studied under the guidance of esteemed professors Ed Jelks and Fred Wendorf. Her commitment and dedication to her studies soon paid off.
Accomplishments:
Kathleen K. Gilmore’s name became synonymous with pioneering archaeological research. She focused on Spanish colonial archaeology, particularly in the southwestern region of the United States. However, her most significant achievement came with the discovery of the long-lost Fort St. Louis. Drawing from historical records, Gilmore meticulously pieced together the puzzle that had confounded scholars for centuries. In 1995, she received the prestigious J.C. Harrington Award from the Society for Historical Archaeology, marking the first time a woman had been honored by the society.
Throughout her career, Gilmore published numerous papers and reports, furthering the understanding of Spanish colonial history in America. Her work extended beyond excavation sites, as she also helped establish guidelines and standards for archaeological research. Kathleen’s contributions have had a profound influence on the field of historical archaeology. Her dedication to uncovering the truth and the meticulousness of her research serve as an inspiration to archaeologists and historians alike.
Awards:
– J.C. Harrington Award (1995) from the Society for Historical Archaeology
Kathleen K. Gilmore’s passion for archaeology and her groundbreaking research have solidified her legacy as a pioneering figure in historical archaeology. Her meticulous work in proving the location of Fort St. Louis has provided invaluable insight into the colonial period, enriching our understanding of American history. Kathleen’s contributions continue to inspire future generations of archaeologists and highlight the significant role of women in the field.