For God, Glory and Gold: Early French and Spanish Conquest of South Carolina, Part 4 of 4
Between 1991 and 1993, South and DePratter excavated part of the town of Santa Elena and found the remains of a large residence. As excavations of the Santa Elena area continued, shells, bone and charcoal have been found that reveal more about the early residents of the area. From documentation, it is known that there were five Spanish forts; however, the remains of only two have been found. Evidence of a Spanish pottery kiln has been discovered, and about 50 different pots have been put back together. Once more was known about French ceramics of the 16th century, reanalysis was done on earlier collections, and French pottery was isolated in the earlier collections. New excavations were done in the area, and it was discovered that the remains of Charlesfort were beneath. The Spaniards had built their fort directly on top of Charlesfort.
