Will archaeologists uncover a Revolutionary War prison camp in York County this summer?

The public will be able to visit the site to learn more about the latest archaeological dig.

York Daily Record

It's been three years since the last archaeological dig on farmland in Springettsbury Township to find remains from a Revolutionary War prison camp.

A new dig started this month on a 4-acre area, and archaeologists and volunteers hope to uncover evidence, such as a hearth pit, privy or well, which would help reveal the exact location of Camp Security.

A few 18th century items, such as wrought iron nails and Westerwald stoneware, turned up with a surface and metal detecting collection, but "nothing yet that screams site," said John Crawmer, lead archaeologist working for the Friends of Camp Security.

"It's early right now," he said.

What is Camp Security?

An excavation is underway by volunteers and archaeologists to find remains from Camp Security, a Revolutionary War prison camp in Springettsbury Township off Locust Grove Road.

During the Revolutionary War, colonists held British prisoners of war at Camp Security, off Locust Grove Road. It operated from 1781 to 1783.

The prisoners at the camp were taken at the Battle of Saratoga in New York and at Yorktown, Va. after Lord Cornwallis' surrender.

About 1,500 prisoners and their families and Continental Army guards and their families lived there.

An epidemic killed hundreds, who were then buried on the grounds.

Volunteer Brian Sinclair sifts for artifacts during the Camp Security archaeological dig in August, 2019.

It is believed to be the last known Revolutionary War prison camp to remain undisturbed in the country.

Historians and archaeologists believe the site of the stockade and the village at Camp Security are on the more than 160 acres that was saved in recent years.

An archaeological dig in 1979 uncovered thousands of 18th-century artifacts, including pottery shards, buttons and pins. Those pieces are believed to be from Camp Indulgence. The two camps were only about 200 yards apart.

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What is being done this summer?

Camp Security is a Revolutionary War prison camp that, held British prisoners of war from 1781 to 1783. It's believed to be the last known Revolutionary War prison camp to remain undisturbed in the country, August 14, 2019.

The dig, which will be conducted over four weeks, will focus on areas where on-ground penetrating radar found anomalies last year as well as the recent surface collection, Crawmer said.

The area being explored is twice the size of the last dig in 2016.

More than 50 volunteers are expected to help with the effort, said Carol Tanzola, president of the Friends of Camp Security.

"We're pretty excited," she said.

How can the public learn more?

A 19th century cut nail was uncovered during the dig. It's just one of many artifacts found in just a few days of excavating at the Camp Security site.

The public can visit the site to learn more about the archaeological work being done.

A public day is set for Tuesday, Aug. 27. Two sessions are being offered: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (The rain date will be Thursday, Aug. 29.)

Visitors should arrive early and park at the Good News Free Will Baptist Church, 530 Locust Grove Road.

Historians June Burke Lloyd and Jonathan Stayer will talk about the history of the camp, and Crawmer will discuss the archaeological work being done, according to a news release.

Friends of Camp Security board members also will be present to answer questions.

For more information about the camp, visit www.campsecurity.org.