Dig uncovers 1500s, 1860s artifacts

Raven Christopher has been digging for answers. She wants to know who was here hundreds of years ago. Christopher is a member of the University South Alabama Archaeology Department. She and others are on the future site of Bicentennial Park.

"We are digging one by two meter units and we are going down about 30 looking for any artifacts," said Christopher.

Baldwin County archives worker Nick Warren has already found nails thought to have belonged to Army soldiers assigned here in 1865.

"We believe these will be associated with the 46th of Mississippi, a confederate unit which was charged with screening for General Steele during the civil war," said Warren.

He also found pottery pieces he thinks belonged to Indians who lived here in the 1500's. And a wall possibly from an old sawmill site.

Archaeologists say they know significant history was made here at some point in time, however we are a long way off from getting a conclusive answer. Research that will last days, months, and years to get a final answer. An answer that will take much more digging to uncover.

Bicentennial Park is being built in honor of Baldwin County's 200th birthday later this year. The first phase of the park is scheduled to open in December.