Ashland Archaeology

In the summer of 2000, KAS initiated a long-term research and education program aimed at better understand the layout of Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate and to learn more about what life was like at this urban plantation (see 2001 KAS Newsletter for more information). To date we have collected information on the locations of barns, slave quarters, and privies. 

We are especially interested in learning more about the lives of the slaves at Ashland and how their experience compared to slaves who lived on more rural plantations. 

Near the remains of a former barn, two foals were excavated.  One was about a year old when it died and the other died shortly after birth.

Our research has been supported in part by federal highway enhancement funds provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinent.

Each year over 500 students assist in this research. The students learn about the process of archaeology and to use artifacts to interpret the past. They also learn about the history of the Ashland Estate.

For teachers KAS has developed a set of classroom activities based on our work at Ashland. Teachers are encouraged to complete these activities before their field visit. Past experience has shown that students who have completed these activities have a far better learning experience than those who have not. For instance they have greater interaction with the archaeologists and a better understanding of the research that is being undertaken at Ashland.