North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Falling Creek Ironworks (44CF7), VA;
Reference: http://www.archaeophysics.com/falling/index.html (used with permission).
Archaeo-Physics was contracted by Browning and Associates, Ltd. to conduct a geophysical investigation at 44CF7, a Virginia Company-period (1607-1624) site in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Previous investigations concluded that 44CF7 is the location of an ironworks established by the Virginia Company on Falling Creek in 1619 and that it contains significant archaeological resources, although no structures had been identified using conventional means. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the entire site using non-destructive geophysical techniques. This evaluation hoped to locate and identify evidence of possible iron works structures such as a blast furnace, slag and charcoal deposits, bloomeries, chaferies, as well as any related structures such as worker housing or other facilities.
The investigation consisted of an electrical resistivity and magnetic field gradient survey over the suspected location of the iron works. Additionally, ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to survey areas under a modern roadway which covers part of the site. The survey was successful in identifying a number of anomalies believed to be associated with the 17th Century iron working facilities, as well as architectural features which may represent associated buildings or living quarters.