Walter Aston Site (44CC178)
Site History
The Walter Aston site (44CC178) is the site of a 17th-century earthfast structure in Charles County, Virginia. The property where the site is located was purchased in 1634 by Walter Aston, who had immigrated to Virginia in 1628. Aston became a justice of the local court. His dwelling was completed around 1635 and he raised tobacco until his death in 1656. After the death of Walter Aston, Jr. in 1667, the site fell into ruins and was scavenged for brick.
Archaeological Investigations
The site was excavated in 1984 after it was discovered by gravel mining operations. The site was excavated by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, under the direction of Dave Hazzard and Nick Luccketti. Three major structures were located during this salvage excavation, including the 40-x25-foot earthfast structure built by Aston as his dwelling. Built around 1635, this house was enlarged during the 1640s with a wing constructed of brick. The house also contained a brick paved cellar. A cobblestone foundation structure interpreted as a grain drying oven was also present on the site. Over 32,000 artifacts were recovered during the excavation.
References
2007 The Walter Aston Site. Notes on Virginia 2007, pp. 40-43.
1989 The Walter Aston Site (44CC178) & Westbury Plantation (44CC103, 44CC179 and 44CC180) Charles City County, Virginia.
