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: Only the southern third of the test cut was excavated after the surface distubance layer was removed. This area abutted the Tavern's northern wall and was tested for archaeological features like builder's trenches. None were found in the 10- to 14-inch subsoil layer, though a few pieces of 17th-century delftware, 19th-century ironstone, and undiagnostic redware were recovered. 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
Shovel, Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary Level.
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Soil description
Red-Brown Sandy Silt
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Munsell
10YR 4/4
