Prehistoric and other finds at Camp Security

Posted by June LloydJuly 16, 2015July 16, 2015 1780s, archaeology, Camp Security, Revolutionary War, soldiers, Springettsbury Twp., Universal York, York County4 Comments

Prehistoric and other finds at Camp Security

Spear point of rhyolite from the South Mountian region, possibly Caledonia area. Late Archaic period (1800-1000 B.C.)

In my last post, I shared some of the artifacts found at the 2015 Camp Security dig that could be from the 1781-1783 period, the years that the Revolutionary War prisoner of war camp was in operation. Here are some photos of more objects that were discovered; these are from a much earlier time or from a later period

The site, in Springettsbury Township just east of York, was inhabited, or at least visited, by humans long before the Revolutionary War, as it continues to be today. Many of those generations left their mark in some way on these fields.

Partial spear points: top left quartz from the Middle Archaic period (4000-5000 B.C.), the middle piece chert from the Ohio Valley of the Late Archiac period(1800-1000 B.C.) and the quartz (locally sourced) on the right also Late Archiac. The bottom piece is rhyolite from the South Mountain region dating to the Early Archaic period (6000-8000 B.C.).

The earliest visitors were, of course, Native Americans. No evidence of their any village has been found as yet on these particular acres, but spear points, a stone knife and scrapers show that the area was being hunted as early as the Early Archaic period (6000-8000 B.C.). Some of these items were not of local minerals, indicating travel and trade during prehistoric times. (Archaeologist Steve Warfel kindly shared his identification of these objects, including the minerals from which they were fashioned and the period of origin.)

Top—tip of spear point of jasper from the Allentown/Bethlehem area, bottom left stone knife of argillite of Susquehanna River origin and bottom right scraper of jasper from Allentown/Bethlehem.

The photos below are of some objects found that date to the 19th century, such a button with a wire shank and a brass bell. The nickel depicts a shield on the reverse, so it dates to 1866-1883.

What’s next for exploring the Camp Security site? The last two digs have eliminated two possible locations for the stockade. There are several other promising locations, so fundraising continues for further exploration. Research also continues in various archives, noting any mention of the camp that might pinpoint stockade and structure locations.

Any possible clues, perhaps stories passed down over the past two centuries, are also valuable. Even the smallest details can add up. If you have ever heard anything locally about the site, the Board of the Friends of Camp Security, of which I am a member, would like to hear from you. All sources of information are kept confidential. We can be contacted through the website www.campsecurity.org, on the Friends of Camp Security Facebook page or by posting a comment below.