Archaeology at Shuter's Hill in Alexandria

Garret Fesler

At the March 14 CCASM meeting Garret Fesler reviewed the archaeology that Alexandria Archaeology has done at Shuter's Hill since 1995.  Archival research indicates that Shuter’s Hill was the site of an 18th century plantation house, two 19th century houses as well as the site of two Civil War forts.   Alexander Archaeology encourages volunteers to help with the excavations.  They hope to start looking for the large 18th century plantation house that burned after they finish excavating a laundry house associated with that house.  Numerous pictures exist showing a Civil War encampment on the site that included one of the 19th century houses.  There's a lot going on and a lot more to investigate.

Click to see the posting on CCASM's trip to Shuter's Hill in 2012 as well as additional information about the site.

Rich Gorski

For this meeting we had an additional speaker.  Rich Gorski is currently participating in the citizen-scientist program at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.  Rich described the archaeology that is being done at the Sellman's Homestead as well as what the data is telling them.

 Attendance: 10

Tour of Shuter's Hill Excavation Site

On Saturday August 11, 2012, CCASM members Barbara Kane, Joshua Eller, Rich Gorski, Phil Angle, Elsie Picyk, and George Picyk toured the Shuter's Hill Excavation Site that is on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA.   The tour was led by City Archaeologist Garrett Fesler.

Shuter's Hill is the largest piece of undeveloped land in Alexandria.  It appeared to be about 15-20 acres.  In the 20th Century a golf course was built on part of the property.  That and re-grading associated with the construction of the Masonic Memorial may have impacted some of the archaeological deposits.  Archival research indicates a late 18th Century plantation house and associated structures and two 19th Century houses.  The property also includes the site of two civil war forts.  The site of one fort - Fort Ellsworth - was partially destroyed when a 20th Century apartment building was constructed over part of it.  Also there is some limited evidence of prehistoric occupation -- some points but only one piece of prehistoric pottery.

For the last couple of years Alexandria Archaeology has been excavating an area that includes the 1850’s house that was built partially over the site of the 18th Century laundry.  Work on the Laundry is particularly interesting because in general there have been limited archaeological investigations of laundries.  Ground penetrating radar survey and STP’s conducted in the past have not identified the location of the other 2 houses.

CCASM sponsored the tour.
Thanks to Elsie for this posting and Barbara for the photos.
 
Alexandria Archaeology has been investigating the Shuter's Hill site since 1995.  Click for more information about the site - Shuter's Hill Brochure