When archaeologists first exposed a dark-stained spot in the northeast corner of historic James Fort, the mysterious, irregularly shaped circle of clay looked a lot like the start of a nearby well that had consumed their attention all summer.
Metal probes thrust deep into the ground indicated that the find extended at least 6 feet below the surface. And the barely perceptible slump from the ragged perimeter in toward the center suggested that — even after 400 years — the soil inside was still sinking.
Video at the site, too.