Melwood Park (18PR225)

Site 18PR225 consists of the archaeological deposits associated with the standing Melwood Park structure, the manor house of an 18th-19th century plantation west of Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County. Archival research indicates that on May 30th, 1729, Henry Darnell, Jr. sold to William Digges his 525 acre tract for 300 pounds sterling. Records of the sale do not mention a structure, but Digges’ 1740 will does. Melwood Park hosted such personalities as Charles Carroll, John Carroll, various members of the Calvert family, and even George Washington.

The first documented archaeological attention at 18PR225 occurred in 1984, when MHT staff made a brief site visit to document the site. In 1988 and 1989, a Phase I/II level archaeological survey including archival research, controlled surface collection, and shovel test and test unit excavation was carried out at 18PR225. A total of 2,487 historic 101 prehistoric items were recovered in 1988-9.

A series of foundation features apparently dating to the late 18th and early 19th centuries were found adjoining the main house and at a short distance to the rear. On all four sides of the house are foundation elements that may have supported a porch. In front of the house is a limestone walk that may have led to a formal garden, and just to the rear may be a kitchen. A nearby small building’s foundation was identified. Its function remains undetermined. Farther to the rear of the main house is an excavation which may represent an ice house, and a short distance to the west may be the remains of a spring house. Three buried architectural rubble deposits were found in the adjoining fields, one of which may be affiliated with an agricultural building.

Though additional work was carried out at the site in 1996, no final report for this work has been written. Excavation work is known to have entailed digging 29 STPs, none of which revealed significant features or artifacts.

By 2002, the 20th century rear ell of the dwelling required demolition. The property owners consulted with the Maryland Historical Trust for approval to rebuild the rear ell of their dwelling, and to construct an outbuilding at the approximate location of a razed barn. Thus, Phase II testing was carried out in late 2002 and into 2003. Artifacts encountered during the 2002/2003 study at 18PR225 include 2,311 historic objects, and 3 prehistoric artifacts.

In 2011 further archaeological investigations were carried out by the Ottery Group. A total of eight excavation units were completed. This study resulted in the discovery of several extant buried cultural features associated with the construction and modification of the house. A brief report (PR591) summarizes these findings. An artifact catalog could not be located.

Multiple episodes of fieldwork at 18PR225 have revealed evidence of intact and stratified archaeological deposits dating from the 18th century through modern times. In addition, many of the features exposed during fieldwork have not been fully excavated. Thus, 18PR225 retains significant archaeological research potential. Furthermore, as a site linked through archival evidence to important figures and events in American and Maryland history, and to a locally prominent planter family, 18PR225 should be treated as an extremely significant site and managed accordingly.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)