STATESVILLE — Explore what it would be like to be an archaeologist through the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site “Digging History” program, which begins today. “Digging History” gives students a chance to learn about how archaeological investigation is done and give them a deeper understanding of the history of the fort. “Digging History” is offered throughout the year for registered groups. Led by Fort Dobbs Historic Interpreter Scott Douglas, this educational program is free and open to students age 6 and older.
Participants learn about archaeology and its importance to Fort Dobbs, which is located outside Statesville. They are introduced to the site’s history and past archaeological excavations by viewing exposed archaeological remnants, which will be explained in terms of their original use when the fort sheltered local settlers in the late 1700s.
Following this orientation, participants are able to participate in a miniature archaeological “dig.” Each team clears an area in the prepared “dig,” setting aside any pre-planted “artifacts” they may encounter. Fort Dobbs staff encourages participants to make written notes on each object, describing where it was found, what it appears to be made of, and what they believe the item is. At the end of the dig, the amateur archaeologists compare these notes with the found items to check the accuracy of their assessments. For more information on this program and Fort Dobbs itself, visit www.fortdobbs.org, call (704) 873-5882 or e-mail info@fortdobbs.org.
Archaeological investigation at Fort Dobbs has proven to be an invaluable way to learn about the three-story blockhouse fort and the provincial soldiers who guarded the western frontier of North Carolina during the French and Indian War. Following England’s victory at war’s end, the frontier expanded rapidly to the west and the fort was abandoned. The structure quickly rotted away, with much of the materials salvaged by local residents. By the early 19th century little remained of the military post, as farmers’ plows turned under the last visible traces.
The first recorded excavations at the site took place in 1847, when Statesville citizens dug to the bottom of a collapsed 40-ft. well shaft. In 1909, the recently formed Fort Dobbs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) bought the fort site, intending to preserve it and perhaps one day reconstruct the fort. In 1967, the DAR collaborated with the State of North Carolina to do the first true archaeological tests there. Since then, seven other investigational digs have taken place, resulting in the recovery of more than 5,800 artifacts and several original features of the fort being discovered, including the well, cellar and perimeter ditch.
The role of Fort Dobbs and North Carolina in the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the first true world war, makes up an important chapter in North Carolina’s colonial history. Built in 1756, the fort was named for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs and manned by provincial soldiers. It was garrisoned from 1756-1761, sheltering frontier settlers during the war and serving as the colony’s western frontier company headquarters. The fort was attacked Feb. 27, 1760, when soldiers fought off more than 60 Cherokee.
Fort Dobbs’ mission is to preserve and interpret the history of North Carolina’s only French and Indian War fort. It is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., offering living history programs daily. Special events and living history weekends are offered throughout the year.
It is part of the Division of N.C. Historic Sites and Properties within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2009 theme observance of “Treasure N.C. Culture.” For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.