For the past 30 years, archaeologists have been excavating the Jamestown settlement, the first permanent British settlement in America. They have uncovered a wide array of artifacts, providing insights into the daily lives of the settlers who arrived in 1607. Among the most recent discoveries are bones – not of humans, but of dogs.
The earliest records of European colonists in America mention dogs only briefly. Spanish and British explorers brought various breeds like mastiffs, bloodhounds, and water spaniels, primarily for hunting and protection rather than companionship. Some dogs were even used in battles, such as when English soldiers released them on Powhatan villages during an attack.
Historical accounts suggest that dogs were sometimes consumed as food during times of scarcity. The winter of 1609, known as “the Starving Time,” saw the residents of Jamestown resorting to eating dogs, cats, and other animals after exhausting their supplies of horses and livestock. George Percy, the president of the Jamestown council, wrote about this desperate situation in 1622.
In the early 2000s, archaeologists unearthed the remains of at least 16 dogs at Jamestown. These dog bones showed clear signs of butchering, with cut marks indicating that the animals had been prepared for consumption. Leah Stricker, a curator at Jamestown Rediscovery, noted the distinct butchering marks on the bones, providing concrete evidence to support historical accounts of dog consumption during times of famine.
This new discovery sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the Jamestown settlers during their early years in America. It highlights the extreme measures they had to resort to in order to survive in a challenging and unfamiliar environment. By analyzing these dog bones, scientists are able to piece together a more complete picture of the settlers’ daily lives and struggles.
The study of animal remains, such as the dog bones at Jamestown, is a growing area of interest for archaeologists and historians. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the relationships between humans and animals in the past, as well as the role animals played in shaping historical events. As researchers continue to uncover new evidence and analyze existing findings, our understanding of history is enriched and expanded.
