8 Strange Discoveries Made Inside Old American Wells

Old American wells aren’t just filled with water. Archaeologists have uncovered some seriously surprising objects buried beneath the ground, ranging from weapons to medicine bottles. Many of them detail life from America’s past. Check out these eight strange discoveries made inside old American wells.

1. A Loaded Scottish Pistol – Jamestown, Virginia

A loaded pistol from the 16th century was in an old well at Historic Jamestown. The Scottish firearm came from the Smithfield Well, which dates to the early 17th century. According to Historic Jamestowne’s Smithfield Well records, one possible theory is that someone accidentally dropped the pistol while drawing water for themselves. Now, it’s on our list of strange discoveries made inside old American wells.

2. More Than 50 People’s Human Remains – Richmond, Virginia

Not every discovery inside an old well is exciting. In 1994, construction workers found a 19th-century well on the Medical College of Virginia campus. Inside were human remains belonging to 53 people, including nine children. A possible explanation for the bodies is they were obtained through grave robbing and used for medical dissection. Virginia Commonwealth University’s East Marshall Street Well Project details the discovery.

3. A Medicine Bottle With Liquid Still Inside – Fort Dayton, New York

An excavation at Fort Dayton uncovered something that made archaeologists pause. An intact medicine bottle was found, still containing a sealed liquid. According to Lite 98.7’s report, there was also laboratory glassware, pipettes, glass slides, and other medicine bottles. The objects point to a connection to medical or scientific activity.

4. Children’s Spinning Tops – Williamsburg, Virginia

Finding wooden spinning tops in an 18th-century well is a huge find. Archaeologists investigating a historic well at Custis Square found several of these children’s toys. Colonial Williamsburg’s Custis Square Archaeological Research Design lists other objects recovered from the site, including household items, glassware, shoes, and organic materials. It’s a great glimpse into colonial American life.

5. A Complete Breastplate and Helmet – Jamestown, Virginia

Military equipment wasn’t something most people would expect to find in a well, but that’s exactly what archaeologists found at the Smithfield Well. The collection included a complete iron breastplate and a burgonet helmet. According to Historic Jamestowne’s Smithfield Well records, the breastplate had even been modified to support the butt of a firearm.

6. A Sword and Dagger Buried in Mud – Governor’s Well, Jamestown

Archaeologists recovered a sword and a separate blade identified as a dagger or possibly the end of another sword in a 2022 excavation. The Governor’s Well excavation records state the discoveries made inside the centuries-old structure. The weirder thing is the sword was preserved alongside everyday items.

7. A Collection of Wine Bottles Dating to 1713 – Williamsburg, Virginia

An old well at Custis Square revealed early 18th-century intact wine bottles with the seals of John Custis, with most dating to 1713. There also were wine glasses and two wooden buckets. Colonial Williamsburg’s Custis Square Archaeological Research Design points out these discoveries. It’s shocking all that glassware was preserved for so long.

8. A Child’s Leather Shoe and Ancient Seeds – Jamestown, Virginia

A child’s leather shoe was among the objects recovered from an early 17th-century well. Archaeologists also uncovered seeds, surgical tools, buttons, and other items. The Driller’s report states the well’s oxygen-poor environment preserved the materials. It gives an interesting glimpse into the life of Jamestown settlers.