WING DIG YIELDS CLUES
Poplar Forest Newsletter, Spring 2001

Archaeologists excavated at the wing throughout the winter before wing reconstruction disturbed the ground.

While most of the wing had been examined a decade ago, there were areas under original floor brick, the remaining Jefferson wall that supported the colonnade, and some post-Jefferson features such as post holes that had been left untouched.

They found a thin layer of charcoal and hearth debris in front of the kitchen fireplace, and a thicker layer filled with chipped stone that may mark where the ground surface was at the time when Jefferson's masons built the original chimney stack. They also uncovered ceramic sherds, nails, animal bone, bottle glass, and a fork from Jefferson's era.

The excavation is continuing this spring beyond the bounds of the original, which was done to determine the length of the 100-foot wing.

In the current dig, archaeologists are exploring the part of the mound next to the wing before a new drainage system is installed. They are collecting soil samples and searching for planting evidence that may provide additional information about the landscape before and after the completion of the mound construction by 1811. Such evidence could help future landscape restoration plans.

So far archaeologists have uncovered one possible planting hole that appears to date to Jefferson's time as well as artifacts from 1810 through the early 20th century.

Roadbed discovered

In another project late last year, archaeologists found an early old roadbed about 250 feet northeast of the house.

Archaeologists want to open up more of the area this year to explore whether the quartzite cobbles are part of the road Jefferson built to encircle his house.