Archaeologists in Virginia unearth colonial-era garden with clues about its enslaved gardeners

Associated Press

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Archaeologists in Virginia are uncovering an ornamental garden from the 1700s where a wealthy politician and enslaved gardeners grew exotic plants from around the world. Such plots of land served as status symbols. They were the 18th-century equivalent of buying a Lamborghini. The garden in Williamsburg belonged to tobacco grower John Custis IV, who also served in the colonial legislature. His garden has long intrigued historians. But the dig also focuses on learning more about the enslaved gardeners. The excavation is being conducted by Colonial Williamsburg. It’s a living history museum that now owns the property in the former colonial capital.