William & Mary Archaeologists Unearth 17th-Century Brick Kiln

WILLIAMSBURG, VA - Archaeologists at William & Mary have unearthed a well-preserved brick kiln dating back to the late 17th century. The discovery marks the oldest structure found on the grounds of the university, which is the second-oldest in the nation. The kiln offers a tangible link to the early days of the college and the broader colonial history of Virginia.

The brick kiln was used to fire bricks, a vital building material in the late 1600s. Experts believe the kiln was likely used to produce bricks for early construction projects on the William & Mary campus and in the surrounding area. The structure's relatively intact condition provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study the construction techniques and firing processes used by early colonists.

"This is a really neat find," said Dr. [Insert Fictional Archaeologist Name], the lead archaeologist on the project. "It gives us a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who built this university and the challenges they faced in creating a new society."

The archaeological team plans to conduct further research on the kiln, including analyzing the bricks found inside and studying the surrounding soil. They hope to learn more about the kiln's construction, its period of use, and the individuals who operated it. The findings will be incorporated into William & Mary's curriculum and made available to the public through exhibits and online resources. The discovery underscores the rich history that lies beneath the surface of the historic campus.