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The Camp Ruston Collection

Archaeological Excavation of Camp Ruston

In the summer of 1994, a team of archaeologists, led by Mark Scalia, worked to excavate the site of the WWII era prisoner of war camp known as Camp Ruston. In this excavation, they discovered the remains of a model Rhine Castle, which was built by German prisoners of war. Also unearthed were walkways, building foundations, and the foundation of the watch tower. Part of this castle, along with other artifacts found at the site, are housed at the Louisiana Tech University Archives and Special Collections. Scroll through the gallery below for a look at the excavation!

Discovery of support timbers

June 12, 1994: Discovery of the support timbers of the watch tower at the Camp Ruston archaeological dig site.

Building foundation

1994: Foundation of building 802 at the Camp Ruston archaeological dig site.

Watch tower remains

1994: Southeast view of the remains of the watch tower at the Camp Ruston archaeological dig site.

Unearthing the remains of the model Rhine Castle

1994: Archaeologist Mark Scalia unearthing the remains of the model Rhine Castle at the Camp Ruston site.

Archaeological dig of the Camp Ruston site

1994: Archaeologists at work at the site of Camp Ruston