Home » Archaeology at Germanna » Organizations

Virginia Research Center for Archaeology

 

The VRCA did limited testing at the Enchanted Castle site in 1977. Salvage operations were then performed in 1984 due to residential development threats. The Virginia Research Center was able to estimate the complex's scale and compiled projected architectural plans for the buildings. There are few images and descriptions from this period, giving importance to these plans. The Enchanted Castle suggests Georgian architecture with a construction date of ca. 1723-24. Architectural artifacts were also found in the excavations. Mary Washington College furthered the research done by the VRCA in 1985.

VRCA Plan of the Enchanted Castle.
Darkened areas denote actual structural elements recorded.

 

 

 

 

Main House Trench Testing

Rearch Results:

(1) enabled the site's nomination to the National Register

- demonstrated a need for structural preservation

- the importance comes from the unknown period images and descriptions, which requires further excavation

(2) established a number of parameters that influenced the HGI investigations.

- proved Spotswood's mansion was placed as the center of control
- enabled an overview of the surrounding area
- the layout of the structures reflected a French formal, or Baroque pattern
- noted the one to four foot terrace located 180 feet south of the main house
- trench testing north of the main house uncovered additional terracing activity

 

Enchanted Castle Main Floor Plan
Enchanted Castle Main Floor
Main House Excavation
 
 
 Source: Quarterly Bulletin. "Archeological Society of Virginia." Volume 44, Number 3, September 1989.