ABSTRACT
New World plantations became the focus of archaeological research with the inception of slave site excavations by Charles H. Fairbanks in the late 1960s. From this preliminary testing, “plantation archaeology” emerged as the investigation of sites located on former plantations. A growing number of professionals and students have been attracted to this special area of interest which has resulted in numerous survey and excavation projects in the American Southeast and Caribbean (see Figure 1.1). Yet, in spite of the enthusiasm for plantation archaeology, the formulation of its objectives, parameters, and research requirements have not been adequately addressed and its accomplishments have not been evaluated. Increased archaeological activity at plantation sites dictate that beginning efforts be directed toward the development of trajectories. It is precisely for this development that this volume has been prepared.
