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. Project archaeologists removed part of the privy's wall to see if they could tell how old it was. The upper portion of the wall was made out of brick and the lower was made out of dry-laid stone. Artifactual and stratigraphical evidence points to an installation date between ca. 1810-1829.
Lot 9, Test Cut AO1, Stratum XIV, Level E
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Collection method
Trowel, Wetscreen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary 4-inch Level.
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Soil description
Stones in Dark Brown Silt
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Munsell
10YR 3/2
