The four basic areas of activity on the site are described below. The 1993 survey had turned up fragments of white salt-glazed stoneware which confirmed the date of the site. The initial work in 1994 concentrated on the search for structural evidence, specifically pertaining to the size of the building. We assumed by its size that the depression was a root cellar, part of a larger structure. Root cellars are common features in African-American houses of the period. In the testing of this area many artifacts were found, however no definitive structural evidence was uncovered. A concentration of nails does suggest the presence of a structure of some description in the area. What we did find was a small rock-covered midden which is discussed below. Our conclusion was that no large structure existed over the depression and that it was a temporary feature which was lived for at least the first winter in 1783.
This feature was a semi-circular mound of small stones (less than 20cm in circumference). A few artifacts were found on top of the rocks, mainly creamware, glass, and nails. A small concentration of clamshells was also encountered. The artifacts found below the rocks included a porcelain rim, a 'wine' bottle finish (top), and the base of a glass tumbler. The rich black soil was an indication of the high organic content one would expect in a midden.
This midden is located southeast of the depression, in a small rock-filled 'hollow'. The feature was originally a small depression, possibly a borrow pit?, which had been filled in using some quite large rocks. Evidence of digging included redeposited orange sub-soil. Artifacts were recovered in between and under the fill rocks in a dark gray, loamy soil containing a lot of charcoal. Artifacts included dark green bottle glass, light green leaded glass, creamware, Staffordshire slipware, Whieldon ware, and Anglo-American redware.
A concentration of stones was found to the southeast of the depression. A roughly circular charcoal stain was visible around the stones. Some refined earthenware was recovered on top of this stain. There is archaeological evidence for exterior hearths associated with African-American dwellings in the United States, but a lack of fire-cracked rocks from this feature make a definite ascription difficult. It may simply be an episode of hearth cleaning from the dwelling.
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| White Salt-glazed Stoneware
These were the first dateable artifacts recovered from the site. This durable ceramic type was popular from around 1740 until 1775 when when creamware took over the market. (Back to top) |
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Creamware
Creamware was developed around 1762 and was an extremely popular ceramic type lasting into the 1820's. (Back to top) |
| Porcelain
Porcelain was developed by the Chinese around 1000 B.C. It was very popular throughout the 18th century. This example has been hand-painted both under and over the glaze. (Back to top) |
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Whieldon-style Ware
This unique ceramic is characterized by a 'streaky' glaze. It was popular from the 1740's to the 1780's. (Back to top) |
| Anglo-American Coarse
Earthenware
These utilitarian ceramics were made in both England and the United States during the 18th century. They have a very broad date range of 1700 to 1900, with a peak period of 1740 to 1775. (Back to top) |
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Staffordshire Slipware
Another popular ceramic type from Britain which dates from between 1670 and 1795. This nearly complete cup was decorated with a clear lead glaze over 'dots' of liquid clay known as slip. (Back to top) |