Near Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Archeology at Ellwood
The Battle of the Wilderness
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 18, 2008
1. Archeology at Ellwood Marker
The National Park Service acquired Ellwood in 1977. Since then, archeologists have conducted three studies of the site: test excavations around the base of the house (1978) and in the cellar (1979), and a geophysical survey of the grounds (1984). The excavations have identified the site of several structures and unearthed a wide variety of artifacts ranging from the 18th to the 20th century. The results of the geophysical survey suggest that there is much more to be found.
Many questions about Ellwood remain unanswered. Where were the slave cabins and other plantation dependencies? Did an earlier dwelling occupy the same site as the current structure? What was the extent of the garden? Future archeological digs may uncover the answers to these and other tantalizing questions.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1977.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 19.163′ N, 77° 43.903′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker is on Constitution Highway (State Highway
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Ellwood (here, next to this marker); A Busy Place (within shouting distance of this marker); The Yard: A Busy Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Union Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); A Military Scene (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Military Scene (within shouting distance of this marker); Toil Without Choice at Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker a photo shows Picks and shovels mark the site of a 1985 archeological test pit. A drawing on the lower left shows Items like these, unearthed during archeological digs, provide important clues to Ellwood's past.
This marker was replaced by a new one named A Busy Place (see nearby markers).
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 18, 2008
2. Archeology at Ellwood Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,269 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
