Archaeological Conservancy Sues for Rights to Texas Land

The Archaeological Conservancy, a nonprofit group that oversees 67 archaeological preserves in 12 states, is fighting in court for the rights to a piece of property in Central Texas near to where the remains of an Ice Age woman were discovered, reports the Austin American-Statesman.

The dispute dates back to 1991, when the Wilson family gave the land rights to the Archaeological Conservancy under specific conditions, including that the land be used as a place of learning, and that it be dedicated in honor of a late member of the family, Marjorie Ashcroft Wilson.

In 2005, the family successfully reclaimed the land by arguing that such conditions had not been met, and the Archaeological Conservancy is now suing to regain those property rights. Arguments in a Texas court are now wrapping up.

Will Wilson Jr., who is defending his family in court, said this week, “We wanted it to be a place where people could learn. It was supposed to memorialize my mother, but when you go out there, there’s nothing.”

The Archaeological Conservancy, however, says that it had a plaque installed declaring the property the Marjorie Ashcroft Wilson Archaeological Preserve and that it had fulfilled its obligations to the family.