Archaeology at Palmetto Commerce Parkway
An archaeological site is any place where physical remnants of past human activities exist. Archaeologists excavate sites to unearth features and artifacts that can answer questions about when, who, where, how, and why people lived and worked at a particular place and time.
All archaeological sites found in the United States are given a site number – for example 38CH2159 — the site number assigned to the rice fields at Palmetto Commerce Parkway. The 38 tells us the site is in South Carolina — the 38th state alphabetically. There are over 20,000 archaeological sites in South Carolina. The CH stands for Charleston County. The final number is assigned in order for each county; 38CH2159 is the 2,159th site found in Charleston County.
The firm of Brockington and Associates, Inc., undertook an archaeological survey of Palmetto Commerce Parkway Extension before construction of the road began. This work was supported by Charleston County RoadWise, which manages road and highway projects funded by the Charleston County Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.
During the archaeological survey of Palmetto Commerce Parkway Extension, archaeologists found an important 18th century inland rice field system near the east end of McChune Branch. Archaeologists used a global positioning system (GPS) device to record the locations of canals, embankments, and ditches that make up the inland rice fields. Archaeological site number 38CH2159 was assigned to this field system. The project archaeologist recommended to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History that site 38CH2159 be included on the National Register of Historic Places.
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History determined that the rice fields are important. They consulted with Charleston County and developed a plan to document these unique landscape features in greater detail. As part of the plan, historians and archaeologists work together to create a methodology for studying and assessing the historical and archaeological importance of inland rice fields that are found in the future.
This Web site and a documentary video were created to share information about the role of rice in the development of South Carolina with the public. An outdoor sign was erected near the old rice fields along the route of Palmetto Commerce Parkway.
Finally, a landscape photographer took digital photographs to document the existing landscape features. Fifteen photographs are included in a traveling photographic exhibit about these unique 18th century rice fields. These images can be viewed in the photo gallery section of the Web site.
Archaeologists unearth artifacts and features to learn about the past.
Archaeologists working at the parkway.
Archaeologists use GPS equipment to record the location of the rice fields.
Filming the video.
Rice field features along Palmetto Commerce Parkway.