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This story is a collaboration with Biography.com.

Unearthing History: The Ornamental Garden of John Custis IV

Recent archaeological excavations in Williamsburg, Virginia, have revealed the remains of an elaborate garden once owned by the influential plantation owner and political figure, John Custis IV. This discovery is noted to be akin to locating a luxury vehicle from the 18th century, as described by the Associated Press.

The ornamental garden serves as a testament to Custis’ wealth and social standing. It was also the familial site connected to Martha Washington, who was first married to Custis before marrying George Washington. Scholars have long studied Custis due to his documented interactions with British botanist Peter Collinson, through which he not only exchanged correspondence but also shared botanical seeds, indicating a keen interest in horticulture from 1734 to 1746.

This latest find provides crucial context to the individuals who labored to create and maintain the garden: the enslaved people who were a vital part of Custis’s estate.

During the excavation, archaeologists discovered remnants such as gravel paths and fence posts, suggesting that the garden spanned nearly two-thirds of a football field. According to the Associated Press, such gardens were often designed not just for agricultural experimentation with cash crops but primarily as demonstrations of wealth. Custis placed his garden intentionally visible from Williamsburg’s only church house at the time, making it a public showcase of affluence, albeit an exclusive one.

Significantly, the findings underscore the reliance on skilled labor provided by enslaved workers who tended to the garden. Jack Gary, the executive director of archaeology at Colonial Williamsburg, emphasized that while the design of the garden can be attributed to Custis, the actual labor was conducted by enslaved individuals. “Everything we see in the ground that’s related to the garden is the work of enslaved gardeners, many of whom must have been very skilled,” Gary noted.

Among the artifacts unearthed were pieces of an earthenware chamber pot and a pierced coin, which shed light on the lives of those who lived and worked on the estate. The chamber pot likely served as a portable toilet for field laborers, while the pierced coin might have been worn by young enslaved men as a good-luck charm.

Additionally, unusual animal remains found near the garden’s perimeter have raised intriguing questions about cultural practices. Archaeologists uncovered the remains of beheaded chickens, a cow’s foot, and a skull-less snake, artifacts suggesting non-European rituals. “We have to wonder if we’re seeing traditions that are non-European,” Gary reflected, hinting at potential West African influences that could offer deeper insights into the lives of the enslaved workers.

These discoveries compel us to reevaluate and understand the complexities surrounding the lives and contributions of the enslaved individuals who shaped this historical space.

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