Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia’s working farms and forests, battlefields and other historic sites, natural areas, parks and rivers are critical to its economy, culture and quality of life. In 1999, the assembly and governor established the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation (VLCF) to fund protection of these resources. The interactive map below depicts VLCF-grant projects funded since 2000.
| Name: | Preservation of the Martin Indigenous Archaeological Site |
|---|---|
| Category: | Historic Area Preservation |
| Grant Round: | FY26 |
| Acres: | 16.26 |
| Locality: | Wythe County |
| Management Agency: | Virginia Board of Historic Resources |
| Owner: | Private |
| ConserveVirginia: | Agriculture & Forestry, Cultural & Historic Preservation, Scenic Preservation |
| Amount Awarded: | $292,250.00 |
| Applicant: | The Archaeological Conservancy |
| Latitude: | -80.826268 |
| Longitude: | 36.923852 |
| Description: | The Archaeological Conservancy (TAC), was awarded funding to acquire and permanently protect 16 acres of farmland in Wythe County along the New River. This property contains the Martin archaeological site consisting of the remains of an indigenous village and cemetery dating as far back as the Archaic Period (~2,000 BCE), with the most intensive use being during the Woodland Period, ca. 1295 CE. The site is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places but is on private property with no protection from disturbance. The landowner was undertaking a subdivision of the property to sell it as three waterfront development lots prior to TAC’s involvement. The potential development and recreational use of these lots would irreparably harm the archaeological deposits and put the burials at high risk of disturbance. The land will continue to be farmed and maintained as an open-space archaeological research preserve. TAC has the support of VDHR, tribal partners and The Conservation Fund in this endeavor to protect this unique archeological resource for the benefit of future archaeological research, education, and access by members of descendent tribal communities. |
| Pictures: |    |
