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. Three test cuts (BY, BR, and BT) were placed along the Lovelace Tavern's eastern stone wall as it abutted Pearl Street. Test Cut BR was placed east of Test Cut BY and north of Test Cut BT. Tavern deposits were found in both halves of the test cut, while remnants of the wall were only found in the western portion.
Results: A possible tavern deposit was found in the northeastern corner of the test cut to a depth of between 0- and 4-inches below excavation surface. This is the only area of the eastern half of the test cut that contained tavern-related materials. The rest of the eastern half quickly transitioned from surface debris to subsoil. The artifacts recovered were mostly building materials, including brick, mortar, and coal. No diagnostic artifacts were found. However, the stratum's color, texture, and artifact content are different enough from surrounding layers that the original investigators theorized that it could be related to the tavern.
Lot 9, Test Cut BR, Strata II, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/2-inch mesh). Arbitrary 4-inch Level.
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Soil description
Brown Silty Sand
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Munsell
5YR 5/6
