Archaeologists in Colonial Williamsburg have made an exciting discovery of what they believe to be Revolutionary War barracks in the historical city in Virginia. The finding was made as officials of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation were preparing to break ground for a new indoor sports complex, and Dr. Jack Gary, the executive director of archeology, was brought in to examine the site. Historical documentation and maps from 1781 and 1782 led experts to identify the location as the site of barracks constructed by the state of Virginia in 1776 to house continental troops. The barracks were built between 1776 and 1777 and were designed to accommodate up to 2,000 soldiers and 100 horses.
These barracks were built by the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to a request from the Continental Army in August 1776, just a month after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. However, the barracks were destroyed by British troops under General Lord Charles Cornwallis in 1781 while en route to Yorktown. Archaeologists learned of the destruction of the barracks from pension requests made by Revolutionary War soldiers. The barracks were described as being on fire in the distance after the British troops passed through the area. This event, while catastrophic, actually led to the preservation of the site for archaeologists to study.
Artifacts found at the site, such as mother-of-pearl and glass button inlays, belt buckles, and lead shot with teeth marks, provide clues about how soldiers lived in the barracks. The tooth marks on the lead shot were likely created out of boredom, as soldiers would chew on the bullets to pass the time during periods without activities. The preliminary excavation of the site has paused for now, but archaeologists involved in the project hope to revisit the site in the future. Archaeologists have been conducting surveys of Colonial Williamsburg since 1928 and plan to expand operations with the opening of the Campbell Archeology Center in 2026, which will be open to the public.
The discovery of the Revolutionary War barracks sheds light on the history and activities of soldiers during that time period. The barracks were an important part of the Continental Army’s infrastructure and played a significant role in housing troops and horses during the war. The destruction of the barracks by British troops highlights the violent and tumultuous nature of the Revolutionary War and its impact on the local communities in Virginia. The artifacts found at the site provide a tangible link to the lives of the soldiers who lived in the barracks and add to our understanding of their experiences.
The archaeological findings in Colonial Williamsburg offer a unique glimpse into the past and provide valuable insights into the lives of soldiers during the Revolutionary War. The discovery of the barracks adds to the rich history of the area and highlights the importance of preserving and studying historical sites. The planned expansion of archaeological operations in Colonial Williamsburg, including the opening of the Campbell Archaeology Center, will provide new opportunities for researchers and the public to learn more about the history of the region. The ongoing excavation and analysis of the site will continue to uncover new information and artifacts that will enhance our understanding of the past.
