Tentative Results from GPR Survey at Fort Ward Park by Mark Jinks December 8, 2009

From: Mark.Jinks@alexandriava.gov
Date: December 8, 2009 12:23:06 PM EST
To: william.euille@alexandriava.gov , Kerry.donley@alexandriava.gov , frank.fannon@alexandriava.gov , alicia.hughes@alexandriava.gov , council@krupicka.com , delpepper@aol.com , del.pepper@alexandriava.gov , paulcsmedberg@aol.com
Cc: Jim.Hartmann@alexandriava.gov , Michele.Evans@alexandriava.gov , Tony.Castrilli@alexandriava.gov , Lance.Mallamo@alexandriava.gov
Subject: Fw: Tentative Results from GPR Survey at Fort Ward Park



FYI - "GPR" means Ground Penetrating Radar which is an improved technology
that OHA used recently to survey key areas of the Ft Ward Park Grounds.
This information will be released to the FW Advisory Group tonight.


----- Forwarded by Mark Jinks/Alex on 12/08/2009 12:22 PM -----

Lance
Mallamo/Alex
To
12/08/2009 11:43 Mark Jinks/Alex@Alex,
AM james.spengler@alexandriava.gov
cc

Subject
Tentative Results from GPR Survey
at Fort Ward Park

We are cautiously optimistic that the GPR survey at Fort Ward Park has
yielded positive results. Although currently the results are somewhat
difficult to understand (locations of graves without complete maps, putting
maps all in the same direction, and historically accurate terms for areas
are needed) the sample of burial "signatures" we were seeking may have been
realized. However, it should be clear that these signature markings are
possible burial locations, not definite. We will not know without
ground-truthing in the Spring.

We are trying to pull together a proper map, where we can overlay the gpr
results on an aerial photo at different scales in order to display to
others and understand the full relationship of potential sites to property
boundaries.

In the meantime, here are the results:

31 possible burial locations were discerned in the 6 study areas.
1. Jackson Cemetery area:
7 possible burials. 6 of these are clustered in the
southeastern/central section of the cemetery's boundaries--on the
glacis of the western side of the bastion . They are probably
well-preserved and may have intact coffins.
2. "Old Graveyard" Area (adjacent and south of Oakland Cemetery
where gravestones still exist):
21 possible burial locations. No information provided in the
report as to the relationship of gravestones to burial
identification--one of the additions we need in the report. This area was
already known to be old in the 1920s.
3. Area adjacent and south of Oakland Cemetery and east of Old
Graveyard within the fenced outer portion of the
maintenance yard:
6 possible graves that are very shallow--about 1 to 1 1/2 feet
below grade. This is probably due to removal of soil in
some fashion.
4. Area covered with gravel in the outer portion of the maintenance
yard: no possible burial locations identified.
5. Area within the inner portion of the maintenance yard east of the
school/church building:
Total of 3 possible burial locations. Clara and Robert Adams
graves were identified and what may be Amanda Clark's grave.
However, the Clark property was north of the Adams' land, and the possible
burial location was identified south of the Adams' graves. No
possible burial sites were identified on the Clark land in the "grove of
trees" as her will specified. We need to examine this
further and edit the report to reflect accurate historical information.
6. Area within the Maintenance Yard south of the school/church
building: 1 possible burial location and potential
archaeological feature of building materials. We need to plot the findings
on a base map to see if it the possible burial is in the vicinity
that Mr. Young said gravestones were present.

Will keep you posted as further findings emerge.

Best regards,
J. Lance Mallamo, Director
Office of Historic Alexandria
220 North Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2521
lance.mallamo@alexandriava.gov
Phone- 703-838-4554
Fax- 703-838-6451
Cell- 703-926-1904