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 BX was placed in the extreme southern part of Lot 8 as it hit Pearl Street. Archaeologists were attempting to find the front of the Lovelace Tavern. Heavy 19th- and 20th-century disturbances impacted much of the test cut, though the Tavern's wooden floor and possibly its front stairs were located. The Tavern's front wall was also potentially discovered 3-inches south of Test Cut BX, found by probe. BX was expanded to the west (BX1) and to the north (BX2) to further test the area for archaeological resources.
Results: A number of 19th-century walls, floors, and fills were found to a depth of 16-inches below excavation surface. A 19th-century stone floor and its bedding were found at the surface of the test cut in this level. The floor and bedding extended to between 6- and 10-inches below excavation surface.
Lot 8, Test Cut BX, Strata III, Level A
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Collection method
Shovel, Trowel, Screen (1/2-inch mesh). Arbitrary Level.
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Soil description
Various Sandy Silts with Cinder, Sand and Clay
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Munsell
7.5YR 3/2
