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 T was an exploratory trench placed in the backyard of Lot 9 to assess the integrity of the stratigraphy underlaying a modern cement floor. 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. Therefore, Test Cut T is an important resource for understanding the historical development of Lot 9.
Results: In 1829, the Lawrence family divided their property into three Lots (8, 9, 15) and built a new commercial building on what is now Lot 9. Archaeologists uncovered a 3-foot deep builder's trench used for the construction of the new building. Two major strata were found in the trench: an upper portion dating to ca. 1829 and a lower portion dating to the 18th century. This level is part of the upper, 19th-century section of the trench, which measured 22-inches thick in its entirety. A mixture of 17th- to 19th-century artifacts were found in the upper portion, suggesting that the ca. 1829 builder's trench disturbed earlier deposits. Footing stones for an unknown 18th-century building were found at the bottom of the upper layer and are discussed in the lower section's context records.
Lot 9, Test Cut T, Stratum XIII, Level B
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Arbitrary 4-inch Level.
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Soil description
Medium Brown Sand with Mortar, Brick, and Rubble
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Munsell
10YR 3/3
