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 AW was placed in the northeast corner of the Lovelace Tavern along its northern wall and outside of its 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: Two major stratigraphic layers were found in the test cut. Neither contained evidence of how the Tavern wall was built. No Tavern deposits were recovered.
Lot 9, Test Cut AW, Strata I, Level C
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Collection method
Shovel, Trowel, 50% Screened (1/4-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Mottled Green Silt
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Munsell
5Y 6/2, 10YR 5/4, 10YR 5/8
