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.
Rationale: Test Cut AO was located directly north of Test Cut T in the backyard area of Lot 9 and was excavated to investigate archaeological hot spots found during initial, exploratory testing. Importantly, the excavations of the test cuts in the backyard of Lot 9 revealed that this area was the most archaeologically intact on the entire project. This means that many archaeological features, artifacts, and intact stratigraphical layers were discovered during testing. Test Cut AO is an important resource for understanding the historical development of Lot 9.
Results: In 1829, the Lawrence family divided their property into three lots (8,9,15) and built a new commercial building on what is now Lot 9. The family also made improvements to the backyard area by partially paving it with flagstone and installing a structure to house the lot's outbuildings. Archaeologists uncovered the remnants of a mid-19th-century cistern inside of the foundations of this backyard structure. The cistern was primarily excavated in Test Cut AO. This level represents the lower portion of a builder's trench used for the construction of the cistern.
Lot 9, Test Cut AO, Stratum XV, Level B
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary 4-inch Level.
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Soil description
Tan and Brown Mottled Silt with Brown Sand Lenses
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Munsell
10YR 4/3, 10YR 5/6
