Long Barrack Archaeology Update - May 10

This week five excavation units were active- EUs 2B, 8, 10, 14, and 19.

In EU-2B archaeologists finished excavating below the limestone alignment. There were few artifacts from this last section of the unit. However an exciting find was a Puebla Polychrome ceramic sherd. This ceramic type was manufactured between 1650 and 1725 in Puebla, Mexico.

Archaeologists in EU-8 reached 150 cm below surface and began final unit documentation. At the base of the unit there is still evidence of an intrusive trench and a posthole. Archaeologists mapped the limestone wall of the Long Barrack and began soil profiles.

Excavation and final documentation were completed this week for EU-10. Detailed soil profiles were produced by the geoarchaeologist. The stratigraphy indicates multiple cultural depositional layers, including a Battle deposit and several Mission Era deposits.

Archaeologists reached a depth of 80 cm below surface. No features were encountered this week and artifact density is lower than previous levels. Three distinct deposits were identified- the 1912-1913 builders’ trench, a modern intrusion, and the original sediment. Within the builders’ trench most materials were construction related. Interestingly, this unit has the highest quantity of plaster recovered.

In EU-19, archaeologists reached an approximate depth of 80 cm below surface. There was a distinct layer of charcoal in this unit at approximately the same depth as previous units.  There was also an increase in limestone cobbles, suggesting construction. Archaeologists encountered a high artifact density in this unit. Artifacts included a musket ball, gunflint, buckle, and an assortment of Spanish Colonial ceramics.