Phase II Archaeological and Historical Investigations of 44PG317, An Early 19th Century Free Black Farmstead, Prince George County, Virginia

This report presents the results of Phase 2 archaeological and historical evaluations conducted at 44Pg317, a 19th century domestic site owned and occupied by a freed black family from 1823 through the 1st decade of the 20th century.

The Phase 2 evaluation indicates that the site, which contains intact features and fits into an historic context emphasizing the 19th century from the Federal and Antebellum periods through the Civil War and Postbellum periods. Further, since the site was owned and occupied by a free black family during that time, it can contribute to several themes within that context.

These themes include studies of ethnicity and lifeways for a population which is underrepresented in the documentary records. Field evaluation of the site indicates that numerous intact features are present. Therefore, the recommendation has been made that the site be considered to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. As such the construction of the southbound lane of Route 295 will have an adverse effect upon the site. Phase 3 mitigative measures have been recommended and a suggested mitigation outlined.