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: This level is part of a 40-inch-deep builder's trench located in Lot 9 for an unknown late-17th/early-18th-century building once located in Lot 16. Very little is known about the building the builder's trench was used for as much of its below-ground presence was destroyed by subsequent historic construction.
Lot 9, Test Cut AO1, Stratum IV, Level D
-
Collection method
Trowel, Wetscreen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary 4-inch Level.
-
Soil description
Refilled Trench
-
Munsell
10YR 4/3, 5Y 6/3
