Save Kingsmill Historic Park: A Plea from Archaeologist Dr. William Kelso
The proposed development in Kingsmill by Escalante, the current owner of Kingsmill Resort, has sparked significant concerns among historians and preservationists. Dr. William M. Kelso, a renowned archaeologist known for his groundbreaking discovery of the Jamestown Fort in the 1990s, has issued a heartfelt plea to protect the historic Kingsmill Plantation site. Dr. Kelso’s expertise, with over 60 years of experience in history and archaeology, underscores the critical importance of preserving this unique piece of Virginia’s heritage.
Dr. Kelso writes:
“I do not believe that every single archaeological site is worth preserving, but there are a few that unquestionably merit saving—and the Kingsmill Historic Park area is one of the few.”
Historical Significance of Kingsmill Plantation
The Kingsmill Plantation site, dating back to the 1630s, holds remarkable historical and archaeological significance. It includes surviving structures and buried remains that offer a rare glimpse into Colonial Virginia’s past. In 1972, Busch Properties preserved the site as a historic park, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year.
Among the notable features are two substantial brick dependency buildings built by the Burwell family and their enslaved workforce. These structures, standing for nearly three centuries, are symbolic of the untold stories of Colonial Williamsburg’s rural environment and its connections to the James River trade routes. They also represent the skill and labor of enslaved Africans, making them some of the oldest surviving quarters built by and for enslaved individuals.
Threatened by Development
Escalante’s plan to build 39 houses on and near this historic site poses a severe threat. According to Dr. Kelso, the construction would cause “irreparable damage” to the buried remains of the 1630s settlement and the unique 1720s landscape. The development could destroy:
1. The buried remains of the Kingsmill Mansion foundation, including its intact one-story cellar and storage vault.
2. The 18th-century terraces, gardens, and formal landscape, which are currently preserved under a protective covering.
3. The potential northern approach to the mansion, believed to lie beneath a modern soccer field, and a possible burial site of enslaved individuals.
Dr. Kelso emphasizes that these archaeological features provide a rare three-dimensional narrative of plantation life, from its landscape design to the stories of the people—enslaved and free—who lived and worked there.
A Call to Protect and Commemorate
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Dr. Kelso envisions Kingsmill Historic Park as a focal point for commemorative events. In 1781, American troops drove British forces from the James River ferry landing at Kingsmill, a key moment leading to victory at Yorktown and the end of British rule in America. Preserving the site would allow future generations to engage with this powerful history.
Dr. Kelso’s Conclusion
“Kingsmill Plantation truly is the heart of Kingsmill on the James, and modern development would desecrate one of Virginia’s finest historical sites,” writes Dr. Kelso. He calls on the community, historians, and preservationists to unite in protecting this irreplaceable treasure.
Take Action to Save Kingsmill
The historical significance of Kingsmill cannot be overstated. It is a vital piece of our collective heritage, and we must ensure its preservation for future generations. As Dr. Kelso eloquently states, “Not every site is worth saving, but this one unquestionably is.” Let us work together to protect this invaluable part of Virginia’s history.
Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved in the effort to save Kingsmill history