The Nash Site

Historical Background

1878 map of the Nash site.

NPS

The Nash site was discovered during a 1990 archeological survey. Historical evidence indicates that the site was occupied by an African-American family, Philip Nash and his wife and children, for a relatively short time span from the 1870s to 1880s. Historically, the Nash site was located on a tract of land owned by the residents of the nearby Brownsville Plantation. Today, the remains of the dwelling consist of the stone chimney footing and stone piers to support a structure.

Second of 1878 maps of the Nash site with notes written.

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Archeological Excavations

National Park Service archeologists excavate the Nash site.

NPS

During the 1990 archeological survey, project archeologists discovered the remains of a chimney and a nearby depression related to the house. Archeological investigations at the Nash site occurred in 1991 and revealed the foundations of a 14-by-16 foot structure, most likely a one and one-half story frame building. Artifacts found during the excavations include ceramics, glass, architectural debris, buttons, a single blue bead, gaming pieces, and quartz crystals. The material culture indicates that the site was occupied during the 1870s to 1880s.

The chimney footing is the only tangible evidence of the Nash house.

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Plan view of Nash site

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