Archaeological Experiences at Sweet Briar College

Join us for the 2007/2008 Excavation Season

Excavations directed by Mr. Perry Tourtellotte

Oral interviews reveal that several stone cabins (located along the base of Paul Mountain) were inhabited in the late 19th Century. Beginning in 2004, Sweet Briar students have been excavating the site to determine if they are indeed post-bellum structures and, if so, who the residents were. Some oral traditions suggests that members of the nearby Monacan Federation lived in these structures after the Civil War when they were employed as laborers on the Sweet Briar Plantation. Another possibility is that the structures were field cabins inhabited by enslaved individuals during the ante-bellum period. Excavations are on-going. Please contact us if you are interested in joining the dig.

Fall 2007 Digging Season: To be announced

Past Excavation Seasons
A view of the fallen chimney	A view into the interior	An associated outbuilding
Spring 2005 Excavation Season
If you are interested in learning how to excavate please contact Dr. Rainville about joining the Fall Digbums !

Mr. Perry Tourtellotte is in charge of excavations at the site. He began excavating the site in October 2004 with the assistance of Sweet Briar students enrolled in Dr. Rainville's ANTH 115 Class (Archaeologial Field Methods). Photos taken by Mr. Tourtellotte.

To take a virtual tour of the site clickon the chimney......