Exciting Discoveries Unfold at Historic Old House Plantation
RIDGELAND — This charming little corner of South Carolina has recently become the scene of an exciting archaeological expedition aimed at uncovering secrets from the Revolutionary War era. As local enthusiasts dig into the rich history of their hometown, they are turning the clock back on the life of Thomas Heyward Jr., a man who boldly put his name to the Declaration of Independence and whose roots are firmly planted at Old House Plantation.
A Historic Hunt for British Evidence
As the nation anticipates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this dig couldn’t have come at a better time. A mixed team of trained archaeologists and eager volunteers embarked on a quest to find out whether British troops actually camped on the grounds of Heyward’s family estate. The project, funded by a generous $147,000 grant from SC250, aims to shed light on this critical period of American history.
“We’re trying to find evidence of a Revolutionary War camp on this property,” explained Rita Elliott of the LAMAR Institute, fingers dusted with soil from last week’s dig. “Maps suggest that British troops marched right through here on their way to Charleston.”
Unearthing Old Treasures
Set against a backdrop of bright sunshine—surely a good omen for any excavation—the team struck gold (often metaphorically) as they dug into the soil of the old plantation. Volunteers enthusiastically wielded metal detectors while Daniel Elliott, the team leader, coordinated the search like an orchestra conductor.
Using modern technology like ground-penetrating radar, the researchers pinpointed areas of intrigue where relics of the past might just be waiting to see the light of day. As flags popped up all over the site marking potential finds, excitement bubbled in the air.
Some discoveries were more predictable—like countless iron nails left behind from old structures—while others hinted at a life once lived here, long before the Civil War. Looking through the dirt, the team found colonoware pottery, dried remnants of a world where African American artisans blended Native American and African traditions in their crafting.
History Beyond the Heywards
Old House Plantation, once home to a sprawling 17,000 acres, now sits on just four acres, lovingly preserved and open for the public. The grave of Thomas Heyward Jr. rests quietly among the remnants of his family’s ambitious beginnings. The plantation was named after his father, Daniel Heyward, who initially built the estate back in the 1740s. Today, it’s a treasure trove for history buffs and locals alike.
Smittie Cooler, chair of Jasper County 250, shared her thoughts about the site: “A lot of people don’t know this place is back here. They drive by and see the historical marker but don’t realize the depth of history lying just beneath the surface.”
Artifact Assembly and Future Research
The survey is much more than a simple dig; it’s a deep dive into the lives of enslaved people who played vital roles on the plantation. Daniel Elliott reflected, “We’re also trying to tell the story of the African Americans who were here.” A fascinating mix of items, including cookware and household goods, are now being examined in detail.
As the dig continues, the question on everyone’s mind is whether evidence of the British encampment will soon emerge. So far, the elusive Redcoats have escaped detection, but the search remains vibrant: “So far, we’ve uncovered buttons from the Civil War, a fragment of a Union artillery shell, and even a beautiful silver spoon from the 1850s!” described Rita Elliott.
Looking Ahead
The archaeological journey is only just getting started. Over the next several months, experts will clean, document, and analyze the artifacts uncovered, transforming physical remnants of the past into stories that will educate generations to come. Furthermore, Rita hopes to have a comprehensive final report written by spring next year—an exciting prospect for local historians and curious visitors alike.
All in all, the news from Old House Plantation brings a delightful mix of excitement and curiosity—proving that there’s always something more to discover, even in our very own backyards!
