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Earth Search conducted NRHP test excavations at Wilton Plantation (16SJ20) to determine if any previously-recorded localities or historic structures would be impacted by proposed construction. Prior to the commencement of field work, it was determined that 17 previously-identified localities would potentially be impacted. Six of these localities were located in a pasture which had not been subjected to intensive sugar cane or soy bean cultivation, while the remaining 11 localities were in agricultural fields. A shovel testing regime coupled with pedestrian survey relocated the 17 localities and provided an initial assessment of the depositional integrity at each area. The entire portion of the project area under sugar cane cultivation was transected at 30 m intervals. Additionally, larger excavation units, either 1 m x 50 cm or 1 x 1 m, were completed to investigate potential features and/or midden deposits discovered during shovel testing.
Shovel tests and larger units excavated in the pasture indicated that all six previously-recorded localities in this area contained either intact midden deposits, structural features, or both. Two additional areas which did not seem to be associated with any previously known localities also were found to contain intact midden and features. Excavations within the pasture revealed five strata representing historic occupations beginning ca. 1760 (Stratum 5) and continuing through the twentieth century (Stratum 1).
A research design focusing on the Acadian, pre-plantation component of the site was formulated. Data recovery at Wilton began on November 5, 1996 and ended on February 5, 1997. Ninety-one 1 x 1 m units were hand-excavated. Subsequently, portions of all seven localities were mechanically stripped of soil. This revealed the remains of three eighteenth-century earthfast structures; three nineteenth-century structures; and a French colonial redware kiln. A total of 76 cultural features were identified and sampled during these efforts.
Investigations within Locality 15 discovered the remnants of Structure 1, an eighteenth-century poteaux sur sole building. Eight additional cultural features were found at this locale. A radiocarbon essay from Feature 47, a late prehistoric Native American pit, dates it to AD 1570-1630 (Beta-105333, 2 Sigma, 95% probability). Investigations at Locality 15 established that the mixing of late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century cultural deposits was due primarily to gardening and, to a lesser degree, to bioturbation.
Proton magnetometer survey within Locality 16 identified a large magnetic anomaly in the south-central portion of the locale. Hand excavation and mechanical stripping revealed evidence of large scale burning which was associated with the destruction of a large tree. However, an eighteenth century occupation associated with Structure 4, a poteaux sur sole building, was also found, as were sixteen cultural features. The eastern portion of Structure 4 had been damaged by the construction of a drive way during the latter part of the twentieth century.
Locality 17 revealed the most complicated sequence of historic occupations investigated at Wilton Plantation. The initial occupation, dating to the eighteenth-century, was represented by Structure 3 and a French colonial redware kiln. Structure 3 was interpreted as a large, open-walled shed which covered the redware kiln. The kiln consisted of a central firing chamber and two fire boxes located on the north and south sides of the firing chamber. The fire boxes were connected to the firing chamber by flues approximately 1 m long and 0.4 m wide. The firing chamber measured 3 m x 3 m, and the height is believed to have been between 3 and 5 m. An early-nineteenth-century occupation was represented by Structure 2, which was also of poteaux sur sole construction. Both the west and east wall trenches of this structure had been severely impacted by late-twentieth century gardening. Finally, Structure 5, located immediately west of Structure 3, dated to the late-eighteenth century and overlay the east wall of the latter.
The brick support walls from a raised Creole cottage were the most prominent feature discovered within Locality 94. A herringbone patterned brick floor was found inside the support walls, and a brick patio was discovered outside the walls at the rear of the cottage. Also discovered behind the cottage were the remnants of at least two detached kitchens. The raised Creole cottage was removed from Wilton Plantation in the 1950s and replaced by a modern structure. Portions of the brick patio and the upper courses of the brick support walls were destroyed when the new cottage was constructed.
