A Patriot of the American Revolution for VIRGINIA. DAR Ancestor #: A002429

Excavations on the site of James Anderson’s blacksmith shop were held between June 2000 and February 2001. The excavations were intended to help us understand the activities taking place in and around two small outbuildings on the southern half of the property.

James Anderson (1739/40-1798) was among Virginia’s most influential eighteenth-century craftsmen, serving as the public armourer for Virginia. His shop had seven forges and was the largest and most successful blacksmith business in the city. Contracted to be the public armorer in 1776, he was responsible for keeping arms at the Powder Magazine repaired, and his shop was responsible for iron work needed by the Continental Army during the American Revolution. At one time he employed close to 50 individuals, including journeymen, appentices, slaves, and young boys.

from: http://research.history.org/Archaeological_Research/Research_Articles/ThemeVirginia/Anderson.cfm