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 in an attempt to find the front of the Lovelace Tavern. Though significant 19th- and 20th-century disturbances were found across the test cut, archaeologists did recover the remains of the Tavern's wooden floor and possibly its front stairs. In addition, the Tavern's front wall was discovered 3-inches south of Test Cut BX by probe. BX was expanded to the west (BX1) and to the north (BX2) to further test the area for archaeological resources.
Results: The purpose of BX1, a 1- by 2-foot test cut extension, was to further evaluate the Lovelace Tavern stone feature found in Test Cut BX to the west. The stones were originally found in a north-south orientation along the western wall of Test Cut BX at a depth of around 26-inches below excavation surface. In BX1, archaeologists removed 30-inches of soil from the ground surface to the depth of the stones as one layer without screening. Two major features were found in BX1: a burned wooden plank in the center of the test cut and a brick wall in the north.
The burned wooden plank was found at 30-inches below excavation surface in the center of BX1. Based on its alignment and depth, the planks appear to be linked with the stones found in Test Cut BX. Taken together, the stones and plank are likely part of a Lovelace Tavern step feature that once lead to either the outside or basement.
A wall comprised of one course of brick was found in the northern segment of Test Cut BX1. This feature also extended into BX2. The wall is not associated with the Lovelace Tavern.
Lot 8, Test Cut BX1
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Collection method
Shovel.
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Soil description
Red-Brown Sand with Brick
