Williamsburg, Virginia: Archaeologists are digging up a piece of colonial American history, uncovering an extravagant garden once owned by a wealthy politician. This garden, located in Williamsburg, was created by John Custis IV, a prominent tobacco plantation owner and a member of Virginia’s colonial legislature. Custis is also known as the father-in-law of Martha Washington, who married George Washington after Custis’ son Daniel passed away.
The garden, dating back to the 18th century, was a symbol of status, much like owning a luxury car today. It featured exotic plants from around the world, reflecting the elite’s desire to showcase their wealth. However, the excavation reveals much more than just the garden itself.
“The garden may have been Custis’ vision, but he wasn’t the one doing the work,” said Jack Gary, executive director of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that now owns the property. “Everything we see in the ground that’s related to the garden is the work of enslaved gardeners, many of whom must have been very skilled.” Archaeologists have discovered thick fence posts made of red cedar, gravel paths, and soil stains indicating where plants once grew in neat rows.
They also found a pierced coin, typically worn by young African Americans as a good-luck charm, and fragments of an earthenware chamber pot likely used by enslaved people. The dig also uncovered evidence of animals buried intentionally, including chickens.