WESTAMPTON - They sifted through the dirt hoping to uncover the rich history that lies beneath the surface.
Historians believe that the tiny town once known as Timbuctoo sprouted up in the early 1800s and was a settlement for freed slaves and a haven for fugitive slaves before the Civil War.
Not much is known about the settlement located off Rancocas Road and Church Street or why it was abandoned years ago. Temple University anthropology professor Dr. David Orr is hoping that will all change soon.
"There are all types of pieces to this puzzle," said Orr, a 40-year veteran of archaeology who has worked at digs around the world such as the ruins of Pompeii in Italy. "We're just trying to bring it all together."
Orr and Christopher Barton, who is currently obtaining his doctorate from Temple after studying as an undergrad at Rowan University and receiving his master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, began the first official dig at Timbuctoo on Saturday.
After years of red tape which involved a 30-year lawsuit involving Westampton Township and a resident who tried to claim the land, the site can finally be explored. The 4.5 acre site has been virtually undisturbed over the years, according to Orr, which proved beneficial during initial visits to the tract.
During an experimental dig last year, Orr said he found a brass eagle button worn by Union soldiers in the Civil War, and on Saturday, the duo began churning up pieces of brick, ceramic and porcelain from the 19th century settlement.
At its peak in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, historians believe it had more than 125 residents, a school, and an AME Zion church. A cemetery on Church Street still exists today. It contains the graves of African American Civil War veterans.
"This site was never lost," Orr said. "All the people around here know about it. There just wasn't much interest in really seeing what's there."
That's until Westampton Mayor Sidney Camp got involved.
After settling the lawsuit to officially obtain the land, Camp contacted National Park Service historian Bill Bolger, who recommended Orr to lead the project.
"Timbuctoo has been my private passion," Camp said. "Some of this stuff is mind-blowing. It makes you wonder what actually went on here."
Camp then allocated money from the township's open space fund to pay for a geophysical prospecting survey in June, which cost roughly $27,000. The survey uses magnets and radar to find underground structures. It will provide a vital tool for Orr and his crew during their exploration.
"We know there are 13 to 18 houses under here," said Orr as he pointed to a large open space covered in grass and dirt. "We know exactly where everything is. It's all here. But you only get one dig and you can't do it over again. We don't want to riddle this place like machine gun bullets by digging everywhere. We only want to search where we know something is."
Orr said if weather permits, they should be able to see the foundation of a house during their second dig today. Then Orr and Barton plan to discuss their findings with the township and plan a more aggressive dig in November. They will also have the ability to apply for grants after producing proof that artifacts exist at the site.
Westampton resident Mary Weston said she couldn't wait for the project to get started. Her property, which is down the street from the Timbuctoo settlement, has been in her family's name since 1829.
"This is too exciting," she said. "How many people can trace their history like this? I'm tremendously grateful for the passion these historians and the township have that supported this project."
Contact: mzimmaro@phillyBurbs.com or 609-871-8059
