Digging Into The Past

Digging Into The Past. . , "Impressive plantation-era archaeological evidence has been documented..." , - Dr. Dennis Blanton, James Madison University archaeologist, Between 2015 and 2017, on behalf of the city of Staunton, James Madison University archaeologists documented evidence of the park's significant history, much of it relating to the 19th-century plantation of John Howe Peyton, a prominent lawyer, farmer, and businessman. Archaeologists used the 1850 Montgomery Hall Estate survey plat to help guide them in their search. The main house, overseer's house, slave quarters, and spring are all located on that map, seen here., Main House Front Yard, Below the ground in the north yard is important information about the original Montgomery Hall plantation. Archaeologists found an abundance of artifacts and the remains of a unique building. The building was a small but well-appointed brick structure built by John Howe Peyton for his widowed mother. At times, the building might also have served as Peyton's law office., Spring House, Remains of a substantial spring house survive near the present-day railroad. Archaeologists learned that prehistoric Native American Indians first made use of the spring. Other evidence found at the spring house points to activities during the plantation period that were tied to both the Peyton household and to their enslaved laborers. In fact, the spring was located close to the plantation's slave quarter and, thus, was probably a focal point of the slaves' daily existence., Barn Complex, Archaeologists have learned that the large bank barn once associated with the Peyton farm experienced three distinct periods of use. The first corresponds to the plantation period when it served the diverse needs of the farming operation. At some point in the late 19th or early 20th century, the barn was modified with a concrete masonry addition, and the lower level was filled. These major alterations marked a shift from being a working farm to a pleasure farm. Evidence suggests that the barn burned by the mid-20th century, perhaps ushering in the significant third phase of activity when Montgomery Hall became an African American park. Wire fencing and fence posts were strung atop and around the bare foundations, apparently to create an animal enclosure. Artifacts deposited at this time testify to use of the area for kitchen-related disposal and perhaps butchery., (Captions):, This drawing of the Montgomery Hall estate was created in 1850 after the death of the plantation's owner and builder, John Howe Peyton. James Madison University archaeologists used this survey to help them decide where to begin investigating the site. Included on the drawing are the main house, the overseer's house, the slave quarter, and the spring. (Augusta County Will Book 30), This is a close-up inset from the survey showing Montgomery Hall, the small building that once stood in the front yard of the Peyton home, the spring, and the slave quarter dwellings., A James Madison University archaeology student documents evidence in the north yard. The main house can be seen in the background., One of the significant features that the archaeology team found at the park was the remains of a very large barn that was the focal point of Montgomery Hall's farming operations. The barn burned around the middle of the 20th century. (Montgomery Hall sales booklet, 1913)