Introduction: Lots 8, 9, and 15 are modern designations for adjacent parcels of land that were owned together and used as a single property until the early 1830's. Excavations produced important discoveries like that of the Colonial-era Lovelace Tavern, proving that significant archaeological resources could still exist in urban spaces. Project archaeologists were able to lobby for increased time and funds to continue their work on the strength of these finds, leading to additional discoveries. In all, the project provided considerable information about the history of New York City and its inhabitants from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
The tavern was constructed by the second English Governor of New York, Francis Lovelace, around 1670. Taverns were important spaces for colonial communities, serving as centralized meeting places that fulfilled important social, recreational, political, and economic functions. Lovelace Tavern became New York's temporary City Hall starting in the late-17th century after the Stadt Huys fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1706.
Rationale: Remains of the Lovelace Tavern were first encountered during the excavation of Test Cut AQ. Overall, archaeologists excavated 27 test cuts inside, adjacent to, or within the walls of the tavern, representing around fifty-percent of the total area. Test Cut BC was placed west and slightly north of the northern wall of the Lovelace Tavern found in Test Cuts AQ3 and AQ4 to see how much farther it extended. No Tavern walls or deposits were found in the test cut.
Results: This level is part of a larger, 6- to 12-inch thick subsoil layer that contained some artifacts, such as 17th-century pipe stems and delftware, 19th-century pearlware, and undiagnostic building and faunal materials. While some of these artifacts may have been deposited while the Tavern was in operation, they cannot be directly tied to Tavern activities.
Lot 8, Test Cut BC, Strata II, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh).
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Soil description
Rust-Brown with Green Silt
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Munsell
10YR 4/3. 7.5YR 5/8
