Artifacts of the Past

Sometimes, an artifact doesn’t tell the whole story alone. At Old Cahawba, archaeologists have to turn to old photographs, documents, and other historical evidence to help piece together the past.

During this summer’s CRM Professional Training program, students uncovered part of a singletree, also known as a swingletree or whiffletree, near the former site of Saltmarsh Hall. This wooden bar was part of horse-drawn equipment, helping distribute the pull between a horse and a wagon, buggy, or plow.

The discovery becomes more interesting when paired with an old photograph of Saltmarsh Hall, built in 1856 as a gathering place for dances, parties, and community events. The photograph shows a horse-drawn buggy in front of the building, offering a glimpse into the activity that once surrounded it.

Another piece of a singletree was also found at the Kirkview site, providing additional evidence of horse-drawn equipment used at Cahawba during the 1850s.

Together, the artifacts and historical photographs help us imagine the horses, wagons, and everyday activity that once filled Cahawba’s streets. It’s a great reminder that even a small artifact can help tell a much bigger story.