Long Barrack Archaeology Update - May 3

Four excavation units—EUs 8, 10, 14, and 19—were active this week. EU-15 remained idle.

EU-8 and EU-10 reached the dark clay that underlays the Mission period occupation of the site. Artifact density decreased dramatically with only a few snail shells and lithic debitage encountered. Both units have almost reached the last level.

EU-14 reached a depth of 50 cm below surface. There are two distinct depositions within EU-14. There is the builders’ trench related to the 1912 wall reconstruction. The second deposition likely dates to the late US Army occupation of the site. Artifacts from the unit include a range of ceramics, mortar, and a button.

Archaeologists in EU-19 reached a depth of 50 cm below surface. There may be a cobble surface at the base of this level, however more excavation is needed to confirm. While this is the same depth as EU-14, the artifact density is much higher in EU-19. Artifacts recovered from this unit include ceramics, glass, a loop shank button, and a musket ball.