Ancient Fossils Unearthed at Stonewall Jackson's Boyhood Home

WVU Jackson's Mill, the boyhood home of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson, is revealing its deep history through recent archaeological efforts. Students and faculty from West Virginia University and Marshall University are conducting digs at the Weston site, marking the first such research since the 1980s. These excavations are unearthing ancient fossils and remnants of primordial forests, offering a tangible connection to the distant past.

The ongoing dig has already yielded significant clues, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 1,000 years discovered in the soil. This historical layer adds to the rich tapestry of the Mill's location, which predates West Virginia by 63 years and resides on the ancestral territories of numerous Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Lenape, and Seneca.

Jackson's Mill, originally a working grist mill, was an industrial hub in its era. Today, it serves as a site for historical programming and tours, emphasizing the interwoven stories of early western Virginia, the formation of West Virginia, and the enduring archaeological significance of the land. The property also hosts the state's 4-H Camp.