Montpelier Archaeology Public Programs (2019/2020) Reconstruction: Civil War Encampments

Reconstruction Expedition: Civil War Encampments Are you ready for an intensive, hands-on experience? In this workshop, you will work side-by-side with master craftsmen and historians to recreate the structures that once stood on the Montpelier property. You will also join our archaeology staff on exclusive tours designed to immerse you in the history of the structure you are building. From the winter of 1863-1864, the woods surrounding Montpelier were filled with South Carolinian soldiers under the command of General Samuel McGowen. Through a combination of metal detector survey and archaeological excavation, we have successfully identified five of these encampment areas. In the early 2000s, we joined forces with a local Civil War reenactment group to create a mock-up of what one of these encampments would have looked like in a clearing behind the Gilmore Farm. Unfortunately, this interpretive area is now in need of some restoration work. During the week of October 20th to October 25th, you will work alongside the staff of Salvagewrights, a local