ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER SLAVE BARRACKS IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

 

WHO: Dr. Julie Schablitsky, SHA Chief Archaeologist
Jane Cox, Anne Arundel County Archaeologist
 
WHAT: Media opportunity for interviews and photos as archaeologist leads tour of stone foundation and reveals brick flooring walked on by African Americans enslaved by Francis Scott Key’s family during the 18th and early 19th century. There will also be display of artifacts lost and discarded by slaves. Hear the heartbreaking story of the slave Cinderella who lived on this property when owned by the Worthington family from 1816 to 1850. 

 

WHEN: Friday, August 1, 2014 at 10 a.m.
   
WHERE:          Scott’s Plantation
                     1487 General’s Highway
                     Crownsville, Maryland  21032

Turn at the white sign for Rockbridge Academy. 

Follow dirt and gravel driveway located approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the intersection of General’s Highway and Belvoir Farms Road. The driveway is on the right if you are coming from Annapolis, and on the left if you are coming from Crownsville or MD 97.  When you enter the driveway, follow it up hill AND Make the next right up to the 18th century brick house.

 

WHY:   Maryland State Highway Administration and Anne Arundel County archaeologists are partnering in the excavation of sites and historic buildings along General's Highway, the site of significant early American History.  Along this corridor, Rochambeau’s troop of 5,000 soldiers camped overnight on their way to the Battle of Yorktown, which effectively ended the American Revolutionary War.  Additionally, Francis Scott Key spent time at Belvoir with his grandmother Anne Arnold Ross Key. The archaeological findings will help interpret the use and evolution of this transportation corridor. These investigations will also inform transportation planning in the future. Historic sites include Scott's plantation, the home of Francis Scott Key's grandparents and aunt and uncle; Civil War site; slave quarter; Rochambeau's American Revolution encampment; and various historic sites. The team began work at Scott's Plantation (Belvoir) in April looking for Rochambeau's encampment. They will continue investigations on the stone slave quarter through fall.

 

PHOTO OP: Great photo opportunities of excavation site, archaeologists at work and artifacts.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:   Please verify attendance: 410-545-0303
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