WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The archeologists in Virginia are unveiling a spectacular discovery – a garden of opulence from colonial America where a wealthy politician and his team of enslaved gardeners nurtured exotic plants from across the globe.

These gardens stood as status symbols for the colonial elite, resembling the 18th-century equivalent of owning a Lamborghini.

This magnificent garden belonged to John Custis IV, a prominent tobacco plantation owner and a member of Virginia’s colonial legislature. He is famously known as Martha Washington’s father-in-law, as she married the future U.S. president, George Washington after Custis’ son, Daniel, passed away.

The excavation of Custis’ garden not only sheds light on his botanical pursuits but also highlights the skilled enslaved gardeners who meticulously maintained the land.

The property is now owned by Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, which aims to uncover the narratives of the enslaved laborers who contributed to the garden’s grandeur.

The ongoing archaeological dig at the site has revealed fascinating artifacts, including fence posts, gravel paths, and the remnants of exotic plants that once thrived in rows.

The garden not only symbolized Custis’ opulence but also served as a platform for showcasing his wealth and sophistication to visitors, comparable to flaunting a luxury car in modern times.

The diverse range of plants, including tomatoes, strawberries, and pistachios, introduced by Custis and his British botanist counterpart, fascinated visitors and added to the garden’s allure.

As the museum strives to reconstruct Custis’ estate and garden, it acknowledges the invaluable contribution of the enslaved individuals who shaped the landscape, posing questions about their identities and stories.

The garden’s legacy endures through historical records and artifacts, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of colonial indulgence and botanical exploration.