9. Jamestown Dig Finds Centuries-Old Slate
Jamestown Settlement, Richmond, Virginia is the location.
Year Found: 2009
Estimated Value: Not Known
A 400-year-old slate was discovered by researchers in 2009 at the Jamestown settlement near Richmond, Virginia. The slate, which was discovered in an abandoned well, was obviously created by a pre-existing English artist. The 4″ x 8″ slate is covered in intricate drawings of letters, numerals, trees, birds, flowers, and male cartoon characters.
Ancient Slate Found at Jamestown Dig, Pinterest, and Natgeo
Pencil marks were formed, but even when the lead was removed, the marks the pencil left behind stayed on the surface. Some military-related symbols on the slate suggest that the artist was a government officer of some rank who enjoyed painting.