This context (Catalog #63: Lot 12, Test Cut F, Stratum 4, Level a) consists of artifacts found within a light brown sandy rubble from the remnants of the Gulian Verplanck House, located in Lot 12 in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The deposit was found in Test Cut F and located beneath the basement floor of the last building to stand on the lot prior to the most recent demolition. The deposit consisted of an 8-to-14-inch-thick stratum of light brown sand containing a large amount of brick, including many large pieces. Excavation of this stratum exposed two large stones set on top of one another in the south part of the test cut.
Ten ceramic sherds were recovered from this context and indicate a late 18th-century to early 19th-century deposition. Likely during the early years of the 19th century, the building associated with the Test Cut F wall was demolished and the rubble from this building covered the wall and the structural support base. The rubble from this house, likely constructed by Gulian Verplanck after both the American Revolution and the fire of 1778. Prior to this, the property was owned by Henry Van Vleck and the remnants from his house, destroyed in the aforementioned fire, can be found in a neighboring deposit. Although the date is unclear, sometime after the fire and at least by 1789, Van Vleck sold his property to Gulian Verplanck.
For more information about the deposits associated with Lot 12, please read pages 155 to 191 of the 7 Hanover Square site report.
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Collection method
Excavated this context using trowels and brushes. 50% of the soil was dry-screened using 1/4 inch mesh.
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Soil description
Brown sandy silt
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Munsell
Not recorded
