What's Happening?
Three Virginia state government agencies—the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH), the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)—are collaborating to document and plan the preservation of Barksdale's
Ford. This historic river crossing, located in Henry County, dates back to the 18th century and was recently uncovered due to drainage from a nearby culvert. The discovery revealed a section of a log corduroy road, which was part of the ford. The ford played a significant role in the region's history, serving as a crucial part of the North-South corridor of the Great Road as early as 1753 and providing access to the county courthouse until 1792. The urgency of the documentation and preservation efforts is driven by the imminent resumption of activity by the Philpott Dam, which would inundate the site with several feet of water.
Why It's Important?
The collaborative effort to document and preserve Barksdale's Ford is important for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the significance of interagency partnerships in safeguarding historical and archaeological sites, demonstrating how state entities can effectively pool resources and expertise for a common goal. This project ensures the protection of a valuable piece of U.S. history, offering insights into early colonial infrastructure, transportation routes, and community development in Virginia. The ford's historical context, including its mention on the Fry-Jefferson map and its connection to Henry County's early administrative centers, provides crucial data for historians and archaeologists studying the region. Furthermore, the project sets a precedent for rapid response and proactive preservation in the face of environmental threats, such as the dam's water release, ensuring that historical assets are not lost due to modern operational needs. The successful documentation through photogrammetry also provides a detailed record for future research and public education, even if the physical site becomes inaccessible.
What's Next?
The immediate next step involves the completion of the photogrammetry model to thoroughly document the exposed ford before it is submerged by water from the Philpott Dam. This model, tied to GPS control points, will serve as a precise record of the site's current condition. Following this, the three agencies—VMNH, DHR, and VDOT—will continue their coordination to assess site conditions and develop a long-term plan for the protection of Barksdale's Ford, especially in anticipation of any future VDOT activities in the area. This ongoing collaboration aims to ensure that the historical integrity of the site is maintained. Future plans may include further archaeological investigations, public outreach initiatives to educate about the ford's significance, and potentially measures to mitigate the impact of dam operations on the site's preservation. The success of this interagency partnership could also serve as a model for similar historical preservation projects across the state and potentially the nation.
Beyond the Headlines
The preservation of Barksdale's Ford transcends its immediate historical value, touching upon broader themes of cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and the evolving relationship between human development and natural landscapes. The discovery and subsequent efforts to document the ford underscore the continuous unveiling of hidden histories beneath our modern infrastructure, reminding us of the layers of human activity that have shaped the U.S. The project also highlights the ethical imperative to balance progress, such as dam operations for power generation, with the protection of irreplaceable historical assets. This case could foster a greater appreciation for local history and encourage communities to actively participate in identifying and preserving their unique heritage. Moreover, the use of advanced technologies like photogrammetry in archaeological documentation signifies a shift towards more sophisticated and less invasive methods of preservation, ensuring that historical sites can be studied and appreciated without being physically disturbed. This approach contributes to a more sustainable model of heritage management for future generations.
