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.
The tavern was constructed by the second English Governor of New York, Francis Lovelace, around 1670. Taverns were important spaces for colonial communities, serving as centralized meeting places that fulfilled important social, recreational, political, and economic functions. Lovelace Tavern became New York's temporary City Hall starting in the late-17th century after the Stadt Huys fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1706.
Rationale: Remains of the Lovelace Tavern were first encountered during the excavation of Test Cut AQ. Overall, archaeologists excavated 27 test cuts inside, adjacent to, or within the walls of the tavern, representing around fifty-percent of the total area. Test Cut AT was placed next to the east wall of the Lovelace Tavern and outside of the building's footprint. Project archaeologists tested this area to see if they could discover how the Tavern's walls had been constructed. No builder's trench or other construction features were found and the test cut was largely devoid of artifacts.
Results: A subsoil layer, so called because it contained no Tavern deposits or construction features, was excavated in the western foot of the test cut as it abutted the eastern Tavern wall. The Tavern wall itself extended down to 12-inches below excavation surface. The soil surrounding the wall contained very few artifacts and was culturally sterile by 6-inches below excavation surface.
Lot 9, Test Cut AT, Strata II, Level B
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Collection method
Shovel, Trowel, 50% Screen (1/4-inch mesh).
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Soil description
Green Silt and Rust Sand
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Munsell
5Y 6/2, 7.5YR 5/8
