On the coast of the Sinepuxent Bay across from Assateague Island lies an archaeological time-capsule riddled with artifacts. The Rackliffe House, it is called, named after John Rackliffe who built the house in 1740. Archaeology teams in Worcester County have made use of their skills to uncover the secrets of this Colonial treasure, providing yet another informative glimpse at life in the 18th century. The beautiful house you see above is the result of tireless reconstruction based on data they've uncovered.

Evidence in soil tones show that this area used to be a wetland, but at the time of John Rackliffe's settlement, the soggy marshes were filled with soil to enable planting. This would have been a massive undertaking, considering the 100s of acres composing Rackliffe's plantation. Nevertheless, they got the job done, and grew plenty of food crops, tobacco, and possibly dairy. Seeing the pristine quality of the land, from the grasses and trees to the fish-filled waters of the bay, I couldn't help but think I would have planted here as well if I were Rackliffe. Not everyone had a house like this one at the time, so John Rackliffe must have been notable and wealthy. Some documentation tells of John's days as a merchant before settling down. Unlike Thomas Jefferson, there are no lingering philosophical or political writings of John Rackliffe, suggesting he was more of a practical man than a thinker. Still, he wasn't all work and no play, either, given the size of his parlor, where dance parties and merriment were never ending. "Work hard, play hard," they say.

Living here at this time was not always a picnic, being more like a wild-west frontier. If pirates didn't pose enough of a threat to Rackliffe's livelihood, the British added their own set of problems, conducting raids along the coast. Yet despite all threats and opposition, John Rackliffe planted his feet in this soil the American way and lingered long.

The worst threats in the area today are possibly biting flies, or running out of gas along the road, so things have improved. Yes, I'm sorry, the pirates aren't there anymore.

Among the artifacts found in the soil at this house are salt-glazed stoneware shards, possibly from decorative kitchen-ware (c. 1740-1775), redware shards just as old, and remnants of clay tobacco pipes.

Archaeologists have even uncovered a Pennsylvania Railroad button. Who knows how that got here?

The Rackliffe House is indeed a fascinating place, and one of the most anticipated historic restorations in all of Worcester County. Be ready for the day when the site is open for general visitors!

Written by Erik Yount. Photography by Errol Webber.