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 AO1 was excavated to further investigate archaeological features found in Test Cut AO. These features include a cistern, privy, builder's trench, and foundation wall. 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 AO1 is an important resource for understanding the historical development of Lot 9.
Results: A 19th-century, dry-laid stone and brick privy (Feature 12) was found in Test Cut AO1. The privy was installed sometime between 1810-1830 and abandoned by the 1850s. Two primary stratigraphic layers were found in the feature and represent distinct filling episodes: 1) redeposited fill resulting from the 1880's construction of an intrusive stone boundary wall separating Lots 9 and 16 and, 2) the abandonment of the privy in the 1850's. While originally part of the 3.6-foot deep fill layer found in the bottom half of the privy, this level was disturbed by a partial cave-in of the north wall of the test unit. Artifacts and soils from other layers from both within and without the privy were mixed together, lessening their interpretive value.
Lot 9, Test Cut AO1, Stratum XXIII, Level E
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Collection method
Shovel, Wetscreen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary Level.
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Soil description
Brown Sandy Silt
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Munsell
10YR 3/2
