Longwood University

The 2008 Excavations will be conducted at the Wade Site from May 19 through June 12.

In 1996, the Longwood Archaeology Field School began a long-term research partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Divison of State Parks. This research has focused on the cultural resources located at Staunton River Battlefield State Park located in both Charlotte and Halifax counties. The research has benefitted immeasureably from generous grants from the Old Dominion Electric Cooperative as well as from ISTEA / T21 grants. Ultimately the project will result in the publication of an interactive CD-ROM targeted at middle school students.

Originally, the focus of the project was on the Civil War Battle that took place at the site in June 1864. After one season of investigations of the battle the focus shifted to a large Late Woodland Period settlement located on the battlefield. Each summer since 1998 has been spent excavating this important site to learn more about life in the southern piedmont of Virginia from about 900 A.D. until about 1425 A.D.

This summer the Field School will be excavating at the site from May 19 through June 12, 2008. Interested in visiting? Call the park at 434-454-4312 to get directions and hours. The pictures below are simply a sample of images from the dig.