Ball-Sellers house overlays Photo Contributed
On Aug. 6, the Arlington Historical Society launched the first archaeological dig at the Ball-Sellers House — the oldest structure in Arlington County — in 30 years. The project is led by archaeologist Patrick L. O’Neill, who has conducted archaeological digs at Arlington House and Calloway Methodist Church in the Hall’s Hill neighborhood of Arlington. Like everyone else on the project, O'Neill is donating his time and expertise.
The archaeological project is aimed at uncovering evidence of a section of the property that was torn down sometime before 1920 and also hopes to unearth clues about how the residents of this 270-year-old house lived.
Scores of volunteers from throughout northern Virginia are helping more seasoned archaeologists with the Northern Virginia Archaeology Society dig, sift, and clean the artifacts.
In the first two days of the dig — scheduled to continue until the end of September — the volunteers discovered more about how the forebears ate, drank, and lived. An early “test pit” measuring 13 inches deep and 18 inches in diameter yielded glass from three different bottles of varying eras, oyster shells — a popular food item over the last two centuries — an 18th century nail, and a handmade brick.
The archaeological project is underway in advance of the installation of a rain garden in October on the historic property to help keep rainwater away from the cabin’s stone foundation. It is part of Arlington County’s Stormwater Wise program to reduce runoff into storm drains.
The Ball-Sellers House was built in the 1740s by farmer John Ball. William Carlin, tailor to George Washington, bought the cabin after Ball’s death. Three generations of the Carlin family lived there and Carlin became the namesake of the Glencarlyn neighborhood.
The Ball-Sellers House (5620 Third St., South) will remain open on Saturday afternoons (1-4 p.m.) throughout the dig for free tours of the house and property. Marian Sellers donated the house in 1975 to the non-profit Arlington Historical Society.
To get involved or learn more, email BSH@arligtonhistoricalsociety.org.