Ask an Archaeologist # 3

CCASM members were asked to provided answers to the next question. Here is one of the responses.

?      What is the oldest item you have found?  How old was it?

I have never actively participated in an archaeological dig within Charles County, Maryland.   I did
assist on ground penetrating radar projects in Fort Hunt, Virginia where we were studying the ruins of a World War II military intelligence facility called P.O. Box 1142.  While comparatively not very old compared to some artifacts, this project is one of the most significant in my career.

A few examples of the fort exist above the surface, including the old gun batteries that worked in coordination with those at Fort Washington across the Potomac to theoretically prevent and invading fleet to go up the river to attack the nation's capital.  Most the fort's facilities were destroyed after the war and the property was returned to the National Park Service, which converted it into a picnic area. Still some ruins exist below the surface.

Here are a couple of links that will provide an introduction to Fort Hunt:
http://blogs.weta.org/boundarystones/2015/12/09/po-box-1142-secrets-fort-hunt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYB3b8VvLLQ

Answer provided by David

Look for future postings with answers to additional questions.  And don't forget to check out the answers given in previous postings.