Colonial Garden Discovered in Virginia Excavation

Archaeologists in Williamsburg, Virginia, have unearthed an ornamental garden originally owned by John Custis IV, a prominent 18th-century plantation owner and father-in-law of Martha Washington. This discovery sheds light on the contributions of enslaved gardeners who maintained the property, as highlighted by Jack Gary, director of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg. The excavation revealed significant artifacts, including thick red cedar fence posts, gravel pathways, and remains of animals buried beneath the garden, suggesting a blend of European and possibly African traditions in gardening practices. Items such as a pierced coin, which may have served as a good luck charm, and shards of a chamber pot underscore the lives of those who labored in this opulent setting. The findings challenge perceptions of historical gardens as solely elite status symbols by emphasizing the skilled work of enslaved individuals. Overall, the garden serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined histories of wealth and enslavement in colonial America.