The Confederate Soldier Identification Effort at Colonial Williamsburg
DNA Testing Could Identify Confederate Soldier Found at Colonial Williamsburg
DNA Testing Could Identify Confederate Soldier Found at Colonial Williamsburg
(Texas Division SCV) - Researchers could be nearing the identification of a Confederate soldier whose remains were discovered during archaeological work at Colonial Williamsburg, according to a July update published by the James City Cavalry Camp No. 2095.
Five possible descendants have agreed to provide DNA samples for comparison with genetic material recovered from the soldier’s remains. Researchers hope sequencing results could be available in early fall.
The remains are among four sets uncovered in 2023 inside the walls of Colonial Williamsburg’s historic Powder Magazine. Archaeologists also discovered three amputated legs and evidence linking the burial site to a nearby Baptist church that served as a hospital following the Battle of Williamsburg in May 1862.
Historical records indicate that Confederate soldiers too badly wounded to retreat were treated inside the church after Union forces occupied Williamsburg. Lists preserved in local archives recorded the names, military units, injuries and deaths of more than 60 men treated there.
Those records allowed researchers to narrow the possible identities of the four men to soldiers from Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina and Virginia.
The current DNA investigation is concentrating on…
