Beechwood (18PR579)

The Beechwood Plantation (18PR579) is the cultural remains of a property that was occupied from the early 19th century through the 20th century. A 1913 Classical Revival home is situated on the site, a replacement for the original home, which burned down around that time. The site is situated north of Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County. In addition to the standing residence, a shed and one barn were located nearby.

Archival work reveals that Beechwood was originally part of a 475-acre tract patented as “Moore’s Plains” in 1672 by James Moore. Between 1674 and 1699, the property was sold three times. In 1699, Nathan Smith purchased the property. The property then descended through the Smith family and relatives. In 1913, the original house burned and a new house was built; the house was lived in till 1950.

During the Phase I survey in 1998, a total of 201 shovel tests (STPs) were excavated. Two loci (A and B) were identified. The majority of the 813 retained artifacts ranged diagnostically in date from the late 18th century through the 20th century.

Phase II evaluation of Site 18PR579 included the excavation of 9 test units focused on the area south and east of the current Beechwood house (Locus B), where yard midden deposits contained artifacts dating back to the earliest occupation of the site. The terraces south of the yard were also examined. Four cultural features were examined during the evaluation. These included a complex of granite walls that formed a portion of the cellar underlying what had been the eastern wing of the pre-1913 house, an ashy pit feature, a post hole/mold feature, and a second pit feature further from the house. The Phase II assemblage consisted of 4,518 objects, mostly architectural, kitchen and miscellaneous artifacts. Four non-diagnostic prehistoric lithic artifacts were also recovered.

Archaeologists returned to 18PR579 in 2001 to conduct Phase III data recovery in an area identified as “Locus A,” a yard midden area west of the house. Investigations included excavation of 43 STPs, eight 1 X 1 m test units, and five mechanical strip trenches, as well as the sampling of identified cultural features. Five archaeological features associated with the post-1913 Beechwood House were identified; a line of yellow pine post/post mold features (Feature 1), a brick lined well (Feature 2), a ca. 1929 gas pump (Feature 3), a collapsed loading structure (Feature 4), and a series of concrete piers (Feature 5). The full artifact assemblage encountered during Phase III work in Locus A at 18PR579 consists of 433 items.

Phase II and Phase III work at 18PR579 suggests the possibility that intact features remain preserved at the site. While Locus A has now been disturbed by construction, the area closer to the extant structure has been preserved. Future investigations may provide more extensive socio-economic data, and a more complete picture of the relationship of outer and inner yard activities.

(Edited from the Maryland Historical Trust Synthesis Project)