Archaeology

Woodbridge, VA - Help us unlock the key to Prince William County's past, as we excavate the property of the 19th Century Clerks of the Court. Guided walking tours of the Brentsville Court House Public Lot, which includes six historic buildings, in various states of restoration and preservation, are scheduled.

Hylton archaeology students are presently excavating a tavern site in Brentsville. In 1820 the Prince William county seat was moved to Brentsville. The location to be excavated is immediately across the street from the 1822 courthouse and jail that celebrated their 180th anniversary in 2002. The tavern land under study was owned by the Williams and Dawe families during the 1820s - 1830s.

Members of the Williams and Dawe families served as Clerks of the Court from 1795 - 1865 and owned several lots in the town of Brentsville. The land being researched by Hylton Archaeology contains the "White House," a home built by 1820 that is a privately owned, local landmark today. Documentary research into deeds, wills and business licenses have indicated that other buildings were located nearby the house and included a "cottage," smokehouses and a tavern that belonged to Philip D. Dawe.

It is the goal of Hylton's archaeological and documentary research to shed light on the location of the structures, the people who occupied them and the activities and events that took place there.

The public will be invited to tour the excavation of the 1820s tavern and help screen the dirt for artifacts. Previously excavated artifacts will be on display in the 1929 One Room School House. For additional information and directions, see our website at www.brentsville.org or call 703-580-400 or 703-792-6191.