Ridgeland Unearths Revolutionary Mysteries at Old House Plantation
RIDGELAND — In a charming corner of South Carolina, where the roads twist through history, a team of eager archeologists and local volunteers recently unearthed more than just dirt. They dug into the past, seeking evidence of British troops who might have camped right where Thomas Heyward Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, once called home.
Why the Dig?
With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the horizon, it’s no wonder that a spark of excitement has ignited interest in the history of the Old House Plantation. A generous grant of $147,000 from SC250 has fueled this archeological dig, which took place for three weeks in October.
Rita Elliott from the LAMAR Institute, which manages the excavation, states, “One of the things we’re trying to answer is whether there was a Revolutionary War camp on this property. We know from maps that British troops marched right through this area on their way to Charleston.” This curious endeavor aims to uncover the layers of history lurking beneath the soil.
Old House Plantation — A Glimpse into the Past
The Old House Plantation, built around 1740 by Heyward’s father, was once a sprawling 17,000-acre estate renowned for its rice and cotton production. Today, the remaining 4 acres are a slice of history, offering visitors a chance to pay respects at the grave of Thomas Heyward Jr., while his original home has long since succumbed to fire.
Smittie Cooler, chair of Jasper County 250, expressed a common sentiment, saying, “A lot of people don’t know this place is back here. They pass by and see the historical marker, but don’t know it’s here. It’s a very interesting site.” This community effort aims to shine a light on little-known historical gems.
Unearthing Secrets
This latest dig follows multiple excavations performed in the past, including efforts as far back as 1965. While previous findings were scattered across various collections, the current team is committed to piecing together the Old House puzzle.
The team utilized cutting-edge ground-penetrating radar to identify promising spots, followed by metal detector surveys that left numerous flags marking potential discoveries. “There are millions of nails here. We’re trying to tune them out,” Daniel Elliott quipped, as the team sifted through the soil for items of historical significance.
Artifacts and More
Among the intriguing finds were 18th-century artifacts, iron keys, and even fragments hinting at a building’s existence nearby. The items uncovered included cast-iron cookware, colonoware — the distinctive pottery made by enslaved African Americans — and a variety of nails, all shedding light on the daily lives of those who walked this land before us.
“We’re also trying to tell the story of the African Americans who were here,” Daniel noted. He explained that colonoware pottery is a fascinating mix of Native American and African traditions, showcasing the diverse cultural history of the area.
The Search Continues
As they delve deeper, the team hasn’t yet found concrete evidence of a British encampment, though several non-military buttons were discovered, alongside some fragments linked to the Civil War. “We found quite a few buttons. Other than the ones from the Civil War, none of them were military. We didn’t find any Revolutionary War ones yet,” Rita explained.
With every shovelful of dirt turning up new surprises, there’s anticipation in the air. The final report on their discoveries is expected come spring, offering a chance to reveal even more about this pivotal time in American history.
A Community Effort
“Everybody’s been really supportive,” said Lisa Cooler, a volunteer eager to help. It seems the spirit of discovery and community camaraderie is alive and well in Ridgeland.
As the digging continues, the artifacts collected will be cleaned and analyzed, slowly bringing to light the stories that this land has held for generations. The excitement surrounding this dig evokes the thrill of the hunt, as eager archeologists search for those elusive connections to the past.
In the grand tapestry of American history, sites like the Old House Plantation serve as crucial threads, reminding all of us of the forces that shaped our nation. With such a wealth of history beneath their feet, the team in Ridgeland is sure to uncover more than just artifacts; they’re breathing life into the stories of those who came before.
