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 BT was placed southeast of Test Cut BY and south of Test Cut BR. The test cut's stratigraphy was the same as Test Cut BR.
Results: A possible Tavern deposit was found in the northwest corner of the test cut between 2.5- and 9-inches below excavation surface. Very few artifacts were found. However, the stratum's color, texture, and location atop the stones from the tavern's eastern wall suggest that it might be related to the tavern.
Lot 9, Test Cut BT, Strata IV, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/2-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Brown Sandy Silt
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Munsell
5YR 5/4 - 5YR 5/6
