Archaeologists begin project at Civil War naval yard

MARION - Archaeologists took the first step in uncovering what life was like for people living near a historic Civil War naval yard where a famous warship was launched more than 100 years ago.

University of South Carolina archaeologists and students used sophisticated tools to begin surveying and mapping the Mars Bluff Confederate Naval Yard on the Marion County bank of the Great Pee Dee River.

The deep waters of the river near the naval yard are thought to be the final resting place of three large cannons from the CSS Pee Dee, a 170-foot gunboat constructed at the naval yard and launched in 1865.

The vessel was ordered scuttled after returning from an assignment and the naval yard was to be destroyed before Union troops arrived.

The three cannons were thrown into the river, but the exact location of the dump site hasn’t been clear until now.

Jonathan Leader, a state archaeologist with USC, said scientists are interested in life at the naval yard.

The site of the yard is private property owned by Rufus Perdue and Glenn Dutton.

“We have a lot of lumps and bumps. There were 14 buildings out here that have been referenced,” Leader said.

Leader’s archaeological geophysics students from USC used resistivity devices to determine what’s in the ground.

“We basically paint pictures with it as to what’s under the ground without actually having to dig the ground. That’s the resistivity device,” he said.

Scientists also used a magnetometer to determine what’s in the ground.

Data from both of the devices are combined to produce a 3-D image of what lies below the surface of the former naval yard, Leader said.

Depending on what the images reveal, the land might be excavated at a later date, he said.

Team members from East Carolina University could conduct shovel tests later, as well.

The project is a collaboration with USC, East Carolina and Francis Marion University, Leader said.

“The final analysis between the three universities and the private landowner is that the data produced will support stewardship and appropriate preservation of the area,” he said.

The area around the naval yard and the river is chock full of history, Leader said.

“You have the Indian history, the colonial experience, the enslaved African, the free African — you have the American Revolution, the Civil War and on and on and on,” he said.

Because the area has been the subject of looters and treasure hunters, a gate has been installed to deter trespassing. Guard duty concerning the property has been given to the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

The land portion of the naval yard research and excavation project is expected to be completed in about a year, Leader said.

The Maritime Studies Program at ECU is conducting the field school at Mars Bluff to support state underwater archaeologist Christopher Amer and his team’s research and excavation work. They are being housed on the campus of FMU.

Once the guns are recovered, they will be conserved at FMU. Plans call for the cannons and artifacts associated with the Naval Yard and wreck ultimately to be exhibited at the Florence County Museum.

“We look forward to this collaborative project with U.S.C. and East Carolina University,” FMU President Dr. Fred Carter said. “It should afford students an opportunity to understand more about underwater archeology and the preservation of historic artifacts.”

The recovery expedition is being funded by a $200,000 grant arranged through Amer's and Leader's offices from the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation.

For additional information about the field school hosted by FMU, contact Travis Knowles, assistant provost and director of the graduate program, at (843) 661-1408.