Site History

The Ashcomb site is a late 17th-mid 18th century domestic site located on a tract of land historically known as Point Patience. By 1661, Point Patience had become home to a John Ashcomb and his family. When he died in 1684, the parcel passed to a series of his descendants, but by 1726, the site was no longer owner occupied. Instead, related tenants Mary Ashcomb Parran and her husband Alexander Parran apparently resided there. By the middle of the 18th century, the parcel had officially passed to the Parran family.

Archaeology

The Ashcomb site was identified by a Phase I archaeological survey aboard the Solomon’s Naval Recreation Center in 1995. Eighty shovel tests were excavated at 25 ft. intervals within the site’s boundaries, resulting in the discovery of late 17th century to mid 18th century artifacts such as Rhenish brown stoneware, tin-glazed earthenware, and pipe fragments. One intact archaeological feature was discovered, but it was not excavated. Though more research is necessary to expand on the site’s integrity and association, the Phase I report identified it as the possible site of John Ashcomb’s dwelling, or a quarter or outbuilding associated with his plantation.

References

The Ashcomb Site archaeological collection is owned by the Naval District Washington, Naval Air Station Patuxent River and curated at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory.