Archeological Society of Virginia

The Union Army of the Potomac (2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army) camped for the winter of 1862–63 in Stafford County, Virginia. The camp encompassed both sides of Clift Farm Road in southern Stafford County, with the five regiments coming from Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. Major General Ambrose E. Burnside’s original plan had been to cross the Rappahannock River and flank Lee’s well-entrenched positions in Fredericksburg. Due to heavy rains, however, no Yankees crossed the river, the effort became the infamous “Mud March,” Burnside was replaced by General Joseph Hooker, and the soldiers returned to their winter camps.

Archeological sites such as 44ST0284 and 44ST0286 represent such winter encampments. The major portion of the camp measures 1,050 feet across, with two smaller concentrations representing isolated brigade camps. Stafford County Public Schools has purchased the 172-acre farm containing the sites and will eventually build a high school there. CRI, a cultural resource consulting firm, has completed a Phase II evaluation and is proceeding with a Phase III treatment plan. CRI is testing a series of battlefield survey methodologies with an excavation strategy using a sampling design. CRI’s work will satisfy contractual requirements; the work of the Certification Program will be beyond the requirements for excavation. All work will meet the stipulations of the DHR/ASV/COVA Certification Program. The site was also that of an uncontrolled metal-detecting event for which individuals flew in from across the country to acquire artifacts. The effects of these activities will also be examined.

WHEN: Monday, March 31–Sunday, April 13, 8:30 am–4:30 pm

WHERE: Clift Farm, southern part of Stafford County, near Fredericksburg

LOGISTICS: On-site camping will be available with running, potable water. Portable toilets will be available. Use of a dwelling is possible, although it is not furnished. There are numerous hotels in relatively close proximity to the site.

SPONSORS: Stafford County Public Schools, CRI, Virginia Department of Historic Resources, USDA Forest Service (Passport in Time), George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Archeological Society of Virginia, Council of Virginia Archaeologists

Applicants must be members of the Archeological Society of Virginia and will gain the best experience if they are enrolled in or have graduated from the Certification Program. Children as young as 12 years of age may participate if accompanied by a responsible adult, although children must be 16 years of age to enroll in the Certification Program.

Name of Applicant: Date(s) of Attendance:

Chapter Affiliation:

Enrolled in Certification Program ____ yes ____ no

Enrolled in Passport in Time ____ yes ____ no

Archaeological Experience:

Submit Applications to

Certification Program – Mike Barber (540 857-6341) mike.barber@dhr.virginia.gov

Stafford Field School Department of Historic Resources, 2801 Kensington Ave., Richmond 23221.

Passport in Time – Mike Madden (540 265-5212) <mjmadden@fs.fed.us>
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway. Roanoke, Virginia 24019

Certification Program
Carole Nash (540 568-6805) <nashcl@jmu.edu>
Geographic Science Program, . James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Bruce Baker (804 561-0420) <bakerbw@tds.net>
10290 Reed Rock Road, Amelia, VA 23002

Archeological Society of Virginia Certification Opportunity