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 T was an exploratory trench placed in the backyard of Lot 9 to assess the integrity of the stratigraphy underlaying a modern cement floor. 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. Therefore, Test Cut T is an important resource for understanding the historical development of Lot 9.
Results: This layer was found within the builder's trench for the ca. 1829 commercial building, though it has an unclear origin. While some 19th-century artifacts were recovered, the majority date to the late-17th/very early-18th century. This suggested to archaeologists that 19th-century construction activities on the lot disturbed an existing late-17th- or early-18th-century deposit. However, this layer's original context, purpose, and depositional date are not known.
Lot 9, Test Cut AO, Stratum XI, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Medium Brown Sandy Silt with Mortar and Yellow Brick
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Munsell
10YR 6/6
