Association
Early studies
The first archeology-type exploration of George Washington Birthplace was conducted by George Washington's adopted son George Washington Parke Custis in 1815. Mr. Custis survey party discovered ruins of several structures. The only above ground piece was the kitchen chimney. Custis was not a trained archeologist, but he did find foundations and some artifact scatter which would give him reason to mark the site (the present Memorial House location) in which he believed George Washington was born.
Early Mistakes
The Custis marker site and associated ruins were twice again evaluated. The first evaluation was completed by Captain John Stewart of the Bureau of Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1896. The second evaluation was completed by National Park Service engineer O.G. Taylor. Neither man was a trained archeologist. Some artifact data, and a substantial basement foundation (20' x 40') were recorded. The quest to erect the Memorial House in 1930 over shadowed any further archeology. Despite numerous protests, the ruins site and related artifacts were removed and discarded (prior to the National Park Service officially assuming control of the site.) The loss of this site prior to any dedicated archeological study is the most significant loss of knowledge in the quest to understand George Washington Birthplace.
Archeology reveals important information
On May 14, 1932 the National Park Service assumed management of George Washington Birthplace.
The first significant Park Service archeology was conducted by trained archeologist Bruce Powell in 1934. Mr. Powell and his team focused on the second significant known ruins site. The Powell team uncovered a Jacobean style dwelling with its first construction dating to 1720. They carefully removed 15,000 artifact pieces comprising buckles, glassware, and other house hold items. This careful study led the team to conclude that they had found the true birth site of George Washington.
Powell next reviewed the cemetery area located approximately 1 mile from the birth site area. His team uncovered George Washington's father's birthsite. They determined the location of the home George Washington's Great Grandfather John Washington constructed in 1658. This site yielded a remarkable collection of iron pieces from the 17th century.
Some of Powell's other discoveries in the 1930 include a probable smoke house location and a trash pit.
Further reviews of existing sites occurred at George Washington Birthplace in the 1970s. These detailed archeological studies added more data relating to the birth home to provide conclusive evidence of its true nature. Another 18th century site was discovered in the farm area of Popes Creek plantation at this time.
In the 1990s National Park Service archeologist began a survey of the remaining acreage of George Washington Birthplace. Up until this time, only approximately 30% of the site had been studied. Native American sites were discovered in the early 1990s. These include Woodland Indian shell mounds.
The 1998-1999 archeology survey was conducted by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the National Park Service's Valley Forge Archeological Center led by archeologist David Orr. The team discovered a 17th century posted building site which was probably the first home of the owner of the property prior to Augustine Washington. The team also uncovered a possible slave dwelling site and a second smoke house location.
Archeologist David Orr's goal for upcoming archeology includes more detailed studies of the Native American sites. He also will address a site that is threatened by river erosion.
Special Presentations
John Washington site artifacts (1658-1720)
Augustine Washington site artifacts (1720-1779)
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