Charleston, SC - Drayton Hall, constructed in 1738, is one of the oldest plantation homes in Charleston. The search is on for clues about a pre-Drayton home and other structures that may have existed on the property.

 

”The 1680s, which is when we think the house was constructed in that decade, this is the frontier of the colony, you need fortifications, the ditch is part of that defensive network,” said Carter Hudgins, director of preservation with Drayton Hall.

 

As part of their second annual archaeological institute, scientists and history enthusiasts are examining artifacts found in a ditch that may have surrounded the pre-Drayton house.

 

“We have a number of different shards from milk pans, which are large dairy pans that were primarily used in the 17th century,” said Sarah Stroud, an archaeologist with Drayton Hall.

 

Spending days working together piecing together history while telling the story of our past.

 

“It is exciting because it is something that I have never seen before. I might have seen it in a book, but to hold it gives you a special feeling,” explained Edward Crawford, who was assisting with the dig.

 

The artifacts will be taken into a lab to be analyzed and then put on display at Drayton Hall

 

The dig will continue at Drayton Hall until this Saturday.

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