Good Morning Everyone, I recently came across information that Point of Rocks Park on the Appomatox in Chesterfield Co between routes 95 and 295, is located at least partially on the "Cobbs" Plantation site, which was first patented by Ambrose Cobbs, land later went to the Burtons 1650s or so, then to John Bolling and Mary Kennon ca 1704, and they started the "Red Bollings", descendants of Pocohantos. On the east side of Cobbs' original patent lived Abraham Wood, and John Baugh and descendants were on the west side. Indeed I do believe my gg grandfather Archibald Bolling Baugh was named after these neighbors. I do believe that the Bollings gobbled up a good portion of the Baugh land later, but not all of it. At this Cobbs website it says "An archealogical survey was done of the property prior to development, and those plats and maps are available in the Virginia State Archives." http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~cobb/ambrose.htm (A map of the park's location is here for all those soccer and softball players at the park! http://echesterfield.com/soccer/fields/por.jpg, and some pictures are here: http://www.cvfo.org/locations_parks_and_open_areas.htm). My question is: What exactly is involved in an "archaelogical survey". Would the plats/maps show a history of land ownership like a deed search, or simply identify the location of important historical "markers", old home sites, etc that might still be there? Obviously I am wondering if there might be mention of the Baughs. Also, I made an attempt to find where this might be at the LVA's website, but was unsuccessful. I am curious if someone could provide advice on that score as well. Thanks in advance, My best regards, Janet (Baugh) Hunter

Janet, In answer to your question, below. It would depend on the type of survey being performed.. For development purposes, it would not necessarily involve land ownership records but would explore the area for artifacts, burial sites, prehistoric bones, tools etc.. The Archaelogical digs at Williamsburg and Jamestown were for historical purposes and probably included locations of old forts, buildings, trash dumps etc.. Also, the land ownership was researched for names of plantations etc.. In the case of developing a park, road etc. only "spot" digs would be required. I recently came upon a dig being conducted prior to laying a gas pipe line and they were required to carefully remove the earth down to the deepest point it had been plowed and search for signs of Indian habitation and old graves.. Va. state archealogists determine where to dig and a contractor does the work and prepares plats and maps and records the "finds".. >>My question is: What exactly is involved in an "archaelogical survey". Would the plats/maps show a history of land ownership like a deed search, or simply identify the location of important historical "markers", old home sites, etc that might still be there? Obviously I am wondering if there might be mention of the Baughs.<<< G. Lee Hearl Authentic Appalachian Storyteller Abingdon, Va.