what’s in A Park? :tidbits of archaeology

Riverfront Park will open fully this April, save for the permanent stage and restrooms to be added later. When you walk around the park, and watch the children play, think about the people who lived, worked and played here long, long ago. The story of this place goes back hundreds of years.

Recently, several areas of the park were excavated by Dovetail Cultural Resource Group as part of the construction project. Over 10,000 artifacts came to light! Let's start on the surface on work our way down.

You've maybe heard about The Mound (see the November 2021 issue of FPF magazine). Here, archaeologists uncovered the skeletal remains of Civil War soldiers, and evidence of much earlier Native American occupations. Today, part of the mound is preserved as a prominent feature in the park.

Looking elsewhere in the park, some areas were selected for archaeological work, based on early maps, insurance records, deeds and photographs. First, the topsoil was stripped away using a smooth-bladed backhoe. This exposed the remains of several buildings. Next, the archaeologists went deeper, using hand tools such as shovels, trowels, dental picks and paint brushes. Some incredible discoveries came to light.

Remains were found of the RoweGoolrick House, built around 1750 (pictured). It was demolished in 1973 for a parking lot. Part of it survived: the northeast foundation of the house was uncovered, including remains of wooden support posts. Dendrochronology (tree ring dating) is being done on the posts, so we hope to have firm dates soon. The foundation was built of locally quarried sandstone. Many of these stones have now been repurposed into the stone seating you see positioned around the park. The wayside panel calls it "Aquia sandstone, locally quarried from Government Island on Aquia Creek in Stafford County, Virginia." However, given the nearby sandstone quarries in operation along the Rappahannock River in the mid 1700s (see the December 2020 issue of FPF magazine), it's far more likely that these stones were quarried in the immediate vicinity and not at Government Island.

One interesting find seemed at first glance to be just a chunk of rusty metal. When X-rayed, a well-p preserved iron alloy jaw harp (aka Jew's harp) appeared inside. Musical instruments, particularly harmonica parts, are common finds on household sites, giving us a glimpse into simpler times when music was created on the spot, an active pursuit vastly different from the digital streaming we consume today.

Also explored was the brick-lined interior of the Ferneyhough Ice House, circa 1832. Before modern refrigeration, ice was cut into blocks during the winter and stored in deep subterranean chambers, beneath layers of straw and sawdust. This kept the meats, milk, and butter cool during warmer months. Of course, the ice melted away a long time ago at Ferneyhough's, but the icehouse survived, giving us a rare glimpse into this vital underground facility. There is so much more to learn about the history and archaeology of Riverfront Park. Check out the park's wayside panels, and follow the latest at Dovetail's website: www.dovetailcrg.com/category/fredericks burg-riverfront-park.

So what's in a Park? Here, a fun and fascinating place that still plays a central role in our vibrant community.

What’s in A Park?

tidbits of archaeology By jon gerlach

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach serves on Fredericksburg's City Council, Ward Two.

Photo courtesy Dovetail Cultural Resource Group at www.dovetailcrg.com/category/frederick sburg-riverfront-park

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material ofthe region and make it available to the public for research

900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704

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