You are here

Home » Archaeological Excavation At The Coleman Site Of Appomattox Court House

Archaeological Excavation At The Coleman Site Of Appomattox Court House

Share

Published Date

June 28, 2018

Project lead, Dr. Kevin Fogle, and Field Director, Dr. Kelly Goldberg, employ water screening techniques to find artifacts in the waterlogged clay soils/NPS

Archaeologists from the University of South Carolina are partnering with Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and the Northeast Regional Archaeology Program to perform an excavation in the park sponsored by Civil War to Civil Rights funding from the National Park Service. The current excavation is located on the historic Dr. Samuel Coleman property, investigating the potential dwelling site of Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved African American servant of the Coleman family.

Reynolds was wounded by a stray artillery shell on the morning of April 9, 1865, near the Coleman House and died three days later after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, a free woman.

Using a suite of remote sensing techniques, archaeologists surveyed the Coleman site in September 2017 to identify potential locations for the ongoing 2018 excavations. Enduring heat and heavy rains, the archaeological team conducted excavations on site over the last two months. The recent heavy rainfall has led to waterlogged clay soils, forcing archaeologists to adapt their sampling strategies and employ a unique wet-screening technique in their search for artifacts.

As the archaeology team enters the last week of the 2018 field season, they are busy analyzing newly uncovered artifacts from the dig. Recovered objects include a range of domestic and architectural objects such as glass beads, machine cut nails, and medicinal bottles from the 19th century inhabitants. These archaeological materials provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who occupied the Coleman site as well as evidence from the intense battle that was fought on this property on April 9th, 1865. Park staff will use the information from the excavation and related research findings to expand the interpretation of park resources and stories to tell a more of the legacy of emancipation as a result of the surrender.

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.