Summary of the 2001 Archaeology Field School
At the Wade Site - Staunton River Battlefield State Park
May 21 - June 15

The Longwood College Archaeology Field School conducted its fourth season of archaeological research at the Wade Site located within Staunton River Battlefield State Park. Eighteen Longwood students worked with 6 volunteers, and 53 middle school, and high school students during the four-week dig.

During the dig, the site was visited by the following groups and individuals: Dillwyn Elementary School - 12 students and 2 adults Appomattox Middle School - 25 students and 4 adults Charlotte County Middle School - 12 students and 1 adult The Governor's School at Keysville - 4 students and 1 adult Open Weekend of June 2 &3 - 107 visitors General visitation throughout the dig beyond those listed above - 75 (conservative estimate) Total visitation for the four-week dig - 243 people

The research this year focused on an area of the site that had not been examined previously. The initial purpose was to seek evidence of posts, which would indicate structures. Ultimately, the posts remain elusive at this point, however the investigation did produce the first evidence of dog burials at this site. While dog burials are known elsewhere in Virginia during the Late-Woodland Period (900 AD - 1600 AD), the practice of burying dogs by themselves, rather than with humans, appears to be less common. Research into this practice is ongoing and will involve consultation with archival resources as well as tribal leaders.

Interestingly, the artifacts recovered this season included several Dan River pottery sherds with surface treatments that have not been observed at this site in the past. Indeed, the geometric patterns and multiple surface treatments observed appear to be unique in the region. The projectile points (primarily Madison and Yadkin) recovered this year indicate a slightly earlier phase at the site probably between 900 AD and 1200 AD. Radiocarbon dates from past seasons have ranged from 1040 A.D. to 1425 A.D.

Longwood College students and Archeological Society of Virginia members conducted a shovel test pit survey last fall and discovered evidence of what appears to be another prehistoric site located within the park. This fall Longwood students and ASV members will conduct test excavations to determine the extent and significance of the site. The test excavations will be open to volunteers and will also be conducted as an interpretive program through the park.

In the past this project has been supported by an ISTEA grant as well as by a grant from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. The project, which continues to be a collaborative effort between Longwood College, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Archeological Society of Virginia and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative is currently being funded by a second ISTEA grant.


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