Greetings, It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this message, but I feel that its content should be disseminated to the community of archaeologists, historians, and others who are concerned with the preservation of South Carolina’s historic past. As many of you know, I have been associated with the investigation of the colonial town of Camden for the last 40 years and have an interest in the preservation of this unique archaeological resource. Apart from its historical significance, Camden is one of the few early historic town sites that has not been impacted by subsequent construction and which has until now been set aside for preservation and research. Last week the City of Camden announced that it was planning to construct sewer lines along both sides of Broad Street, which bisects the town site (see attachments). The trench on the east side will be 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep. Because many of the early buildings lay along Broad Street, this constructing will destroy all evidence of them. Previous sampling excavations have identified the remains of two structures here. On the west side of Broad Street the pipe line trench, 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep, will run parallel to the street and impact the identified sites of at least two structures, and associated activity areas, situated here. We have found intact foundations and cellars on this side of the road and any construction here could result in the loss of invaluable archaeological remains. These include houses, stores, and other structures associated with the town itself, as well as those of British barracks in this vicinity. All of these sites are shallow and will be obliterated by this construction. I feel that this work, which was planned without input from the Historic Camden Foundation and others with historical concerns, will irrevocably impact the site of this historic community and devalue its potential for future researchs. It represents an unconscionable act that will desecrate one of South Carolina’s archaeological treasures and will be blot on the state’s record of historic preservation. This project is apparently being funded by non-federal funds and the SHPO has not reviewed the planned work. The construction is imminent and all efforts to dissuade the city so far have been unsuccessful. There appears to be no way to stop the construction, but I feel that the larger archaeological and historical communities should be made aware of it and of the disregard for the past that it represents. I will appreciate your sharing this information with any concerned individuals or groups so that they too will know of it. Best regards, Ken Kenneth E. Lewis, Ph.D. Professor Department of Anthropology Baker Hall 655 Auditorium Road Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 (517)353-6732 [email protected]
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 18:29:06 +0000