North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
Abstract/Summary:
Project Name: Sparks Cemetery (Booker T. Washington National Monument), VA;
Reference: De Vore, S. L. (1998). Geophysical Investigations of the Three Areas within the Boundaries of Booker T. Washington National Monument, Franklin County, Virginia. National Park Service, Intermountain Support Office, Denver, Colorado.
From June 22-25, 1998, geophysical surveys were conducted at the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Virginia. The surveys were conducted in three separate areas within the park: 1) the Burroughs Cemetery and vicinity, 2) the Sparks Cemetery, and 3) the historic slave quarters core area. The Burroughs Cemetery and vicinity consisted of seven complete and partial 20 by 20 meter grid untis. The grid was arranged in an "S" shape in the open field north of the visitors center. The northwest corner extended into the timber. The Burroughs family cemetery lies in grid units 6 and 7 at the southern end of the grid. The fence rails were removed prior to the magnetic survey of the cemetery. Both magnetic and resistance surveys were conducted over the entire grid. The Sparks Cemetery is located in the timber near the southern end of the park. The cemetery lies on a southwest-facing slope above Gills Creek. A single 20 by 20 meter grid was established over the cemetery area. Due to the presence of the rail fence, only the resistance survey was conducted in the cemetery. The third area was in the historic slave quarters area. Four 20 by 20 m grid units were established. Both magnetic and resistance data were collected for the entire grid area. A number of reconstructed structures and features were also present within the grid. These included the herb garden, bell post, storage shed, and cabin/kitchen. These features had an effect on the magnetic data collected adjacent to them.