William & Mary finds foundation of slavery-related building

Posted to: News Williamsburg - James City
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By Diane Tennant
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 9, 2011

WILLIAMSBURG

Archaeologists have found brick building foundations “almost certainly associated with slaves” in the oldest part of the College of William and Mary’s campus.

The foundation extends underneath a sidewalk near the Wren Building on the edge of Merchant’s Square. The site has been refilled pending a complete archaeological excavation.

“It’s a substantial outbuilding or dependency,” said Joe Jones, director of the William and Mary Center for Archaeological Research. “Based on the time period, where it’s located and the dimensions, it’s probably a specific-function building like a kitchen building or maybe quarters for slaves.”

Mortar between the bricks dates the foundation to the 18th century, possibly the second quarter, Jones said.

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Blame the lack of context on

Submitted by Djrobbdjrobb on Tue, 08/09/2011 at 11:46 pm.

Blame the lack of context on the pilots coverage. The article on wm's website notes how the find could contribute to the body of knowledge on colonial era slavery making it newsworthy.

William & Mary

Submitted by chesapeake23322 on Tue, 08/09/2011 at 8:21 pm.

I'm sorry, but I dont' see where that is so newsworthy. There aren't many buildings, in this state, from that era,that aren't connected to slaves or the civil war.

yeah

Submitted by rainman on Tue, 08/09/2011 at 9:56 pm.

but it inflames passions and drives wedges between us. that seem to be the equivalent of intellectual porn for the producers of this paper. LOL! they can't go a day or so without publishing some kind of race troll to get everyone hating each other. the want what is happening in philadelphia, wisconsin, england, and israel to come here. so they just keep picking the scab and fanning the flames hoping the hatred will erupt into and inferno. they will then have the luxury of feigning surprise and climb up on their high horses and tell us how morally superior they are to the rest of us. its fits right in with their agenda.

You're correct in pointing

Submitted by Lucky Spankman on Tue, 08/09/2011 at 8:59 pm.

You're correct in pointing out that this article has neglected to include important information about what makes this discovery significant. If interested, see the linked story for more info:
http://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2011/archaeologists-discover-brick-foundations-near-wren-building.php