Help Finish Indian Jim’s Cave Excavation

Hello, my name is Anthony Turner.

I am fundraising to finish the excavation of The National Register Of Historic Places location of “Indian Jim’s Cave” (NHRP reference number “82004562”).

The original attempted excavation took place in 1980, over a short period of time, and was not able to be completed due to lack of funding.

The excavation was headed by archaeologist Lyle E. Browning. I have recently come into contact with Browning, and both of us have a deep interest in seeing the excavation completed.

“Indian Jim’s Cave,” as it is colloquially referred to, is a very interesting location of historical significance. With artifacts found in the original excavation dating to even 3000 B.C., pottery fragments, shards, seeds, and signs of seasonal dwelling. It is also associated with Patrick Henry and, in local legend, was inhabited at one point by a Native named “Indian Jim” who later married a slave woman and had a grandson who was supposedly trained by Patrick Henry’s widow as a body-servant. Whether or not the latter is true is up for debate. These are questions this excavation can help answer.

The excavation will take place over a week and will include the original archaeologist Lyle E. Browning, who, as well as being a successful archaeologist, has a connection to the original excavation, along with original notes and a connection to the landowners.

We both want this excavation done properly, with care, and by the book, and will see to it that it is carried out with respect as well.

The full cost that I am trying to raise is $15,000. This is an estimate from Browning. The cost will cover the excavation, man-hours, equipment cost, and lodging while working in the area for the week, as well as the cost of cataloging any findings.

My hope is that this excavation will enrich our understanding of the history of the Halifax area, its past inhabitants, local legends, and more. With what was found in just 30 inches of digging, I believe that we are guaranteed to find something of interest.

Any donations are appreciated, as well as any spreading of awareness for the location and what we are trying to do.

attached below are pictures from the first Volunteer Survey of the cave done in over 30 years. you’ll see the entrance, from afar and up close, as well as a picture of the inside chamber.

Thank you for reading, and have a nice day.

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