The first English-built road in America (in use by 1608) ran 1 mile from
Jamestown Island to Glasshouse Point. Later, as the colony grew, the
road was extended to Governor Berkeley's plantation, about 4 miles from
Jamestown, and other nearby settlements. There is some evidence that it
was known as the "Old Road" or "Greate Road."
[Illustration: SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY SPUR AND STIRRUP EXCAVATED AT
JAMESTOWN.]
[Illustration: THIS BRANDING IRON WAS USED BY ONE OF THE COLONISTS
DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE SETTLEMENT.]
As early as 1609 "six mares and two horses" were brought to Jamestown.
In 1611, 17 horses and mares arrived, and in 1614, Capt. Samuel Argall
brought several more. Six years later in 1620, 20 horses were shipped
from England. It is most surprising, therefore, that the census of 1625
recorded only 1 horse for the entire colony! By 1649, however, it was
estimated that there were 300 horses in Virginia, and most of the
successful farmers and wealthy planters owned them after 1650. During
the following years, the number of horses increased greatly.
Many well-preserved metal objects relating to horse equipment and riding
gear have been unearthed.
Bits and Bridle Ornaments.--Most bits are of the snaffle variety,
although a few curb bits have been recovered. In those days many bits
had brass bosses attached to their cheek bars, and many of these
attractive ornaments have been unearthed. Some bosses are decorated with
raised designs while others are plain. The majority are made of brass,
although a few iron bosses have been excavated.
Spurs and Stirrups.--A few complete spurs have been excavated. While the
majority are plain iron some brass spurs in the collection are
decorated with very attractive incised or embossed designs. Two or three
of the highly decorated brass spurs are probably of Spanish origin. One
of them, in excellent condition, was found near an early brick kiln.
[Illustration: WROUGHT-IRON HORSESHOES AND CURRYCOMBS USED PRIOR TO
1650.]
[Illustration: SETTLERS TRADING WITH THE INDIANS--BARTERING CASTING
COUNTERS AND OTHER TRADE GOODS FOR FURS. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney
E. King.)]
All stirrups unearthed are made of wrought iron. Some of the steps or
stirrup bars are solid, while others have a single slot.
Horseshoes and Currycombs.--Horseshoes found vary considerably in size,
although the majority are relatively small. Many shoes have both toe and
heel calks, and in most examples the calks are well worn. The many small
shoes that have been excavated may indicate that the horses used in
Virginia three centuries ago were much smaller than the 20th-century
breeds.
All currycombs found are handwrought, and many have pleasing designs on
the backs, formed by the curved iron strips which extend from the handle
prong to the back of the comb.
Branding Irons.--Parts of several branding irons were found including a
complete example with initials "TR."
Wagon and Carriage Parts.--Archeologists unearthed only a few metal
parts from wagons and carriages--reminders of a day when horses and oxen
were indispensable animals in the Virginia settlements.