2025

Excavations in 2025 build on finds from the last several years. Exploration of the area near the Archaearium Museum in 2024 yielded several early 17th-century artifacts, hinting at a ca. 1607-1610 occupation nearby. In 2025, archaeologists are continuing to examine this space, hunting for features that might explain these artifacts. Excavators are also still tracing the boundaries of the 17th-century burial ground on Statehouse Ridge and extending to the south.

Elsewhere, the team is learning more about the subfloor pits found in the North Field dig. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data suggests an additional pit is located a few feet to the east of the past finds, hidden amongst later 17th-century boundary ditches. Excavations here are aimed at clarifying the date of the pits: if the new pit is located under the ditches, it supports the theory that they are early 17th-century root cellars. If the new pit is atop the ditches, it means that the pits date to the later 17th century or subsequently.

Another GPR find at the south end of Smithfield appears to be a foundation or impression from a small structure. This possible building is in the right location to be part of Civil War barracks that were used by the Union to house “Contrabands” — African American men and women who escaped slavery by reaching Union-held territory. Limited excavations here are aimed at testing this theory. As part of this project, the team is working with local descendant groups who have ties to the African Americans who lived on or near Jamestown Island during the Civil War and earlier.

Finally, a large brick cellar was found during a GPR survey just north of the Memorial Church. This cellar has never been excavated, and may date to the mid or late 17th century. Archaeologists will examine part of this feature, and look for additional parts of the building — likely represented by postholes — nearby. Next to the cellar are several burials, and excavators are curious about how large this burial ground might be, and how these graves relate to the building.

Dig Update Archive, 2004-present