The remains of a colonial-era structure from the late 1600s were recently discovered just two feet beneath a parking lot in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the site of a new archaeological center.
According to the Miami Herald, the remains were discovered at the site of the new Colonial Williamsburg archaeological center. The outlet reported that researchers discovered a foundation, a 40-foot-deep well, and a cellar that are believed to be from one of the oldest recorded structures in Williamsburg.
The Miami Herald reported that the Williamsburg structure dates back to the Middle Plantation community, which historians believe could have functioned as an “outgrowth” of colonial Jamestown prior to the founding of Williamsburg.
Jack Gary, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s director of archaeology, explained that the archaeological center is going to still be constructed where the remains were located; however, the building will feature glass flooring, which will enable visitors to view history beneath them.
Gary shared that artifacts discovered at the archaeological site indicate that the colonial-era home was likely owned by a “somewhat affluent” family. Some of the artifacts recovered at the site include a silver teaspoon, Chinese porcelain, and dozens of clay wig curlers. The Miami Herald reported that the home was likely demolished between 1737 and 1740 and that parts of the building were used for other projects.
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“This is an amazing site. The artifacts coming out of it are really significant for us to be able to tell the story of what life was like before Williamsburg was ever even founded,” Gary said in a video posted on YouTube. “This house was here before then.”
Gary explained that with the recent discovery of the remains of a colonial-era home, the new museum has a “great opportunity” to showcase part of the foundation by letting visitors look through the glass floor.
“Our visitors will be able to literally stand on top of history, looking down at it, and to really remind them that everywhere they go in Williamsburg, there is history literally underneath their feet,” Gary said.
Regarding the other parts of the historic structure’s foundation that will not be visible through the archaeology center’s floor, Gary explained that a layer of sand will be used in preservation efforts.
“We were even able to be sure all utilities were routed around it,” Gary stated. “We were able to preserve the whole thing and still accomplish building the building on top of it.”
According to the Miami Herald, Colonial Williamsburg’s new Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center is currently scheduled to open in 2026.
