Curtis D. Tunnell

Curtis D. Tunnell was a Texas archaeologist, historian, and author whose writing grew out of a long career in research, preservation, and public history. He worked closely with major Texas historical and archaeological projects, and his books helped turn technical discoveries into stories general readers could enjoy.

His career included field archaeology, museum work, and leadership roles connected with Texas history. A biographical page from Texas Beyond History describes him as Curtis Dale Tunnell and highlights his work across the state, including excavations, mapping, and historical investigations that shaped how many readers and visitors understand Texas archaeology today.

As an author, he is especially associated with nonfiction rooted in real places, artifacts, and events. That background gives his work a practical, on-the-ground feel: he wrote not just about the past, but from years of actually uncovering it.