Market Square Reclamation: June 3 CARF Update
A Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation (CARF) team is providing regular updates on its progress as it explores Kingston's Market Square prior construction of a new public space. The report below was prepared by S. Bazely.
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CONTINUED SITE PREPARATION
- Although the primary focus this week was on recording what has been found to date, excavation continued in several areas.
- Asphalt and gravel were mechanically stripped from the area of the former Market Wing between trench 2B and King Street to continue uncovering the tops of the Market Wing walls and piers.
FINDINGS
- Excavation in 2A has continued to uncover more of a pre-1840 structure as well as evidence of the 1840 fire, including more carbonized peas and barley.
- Excavation in the latrine in 2D has revealed a drain in the southeast corner.
- In 2E the remnants of another structure, this time below a wood chip layer, have been uncovered - the limestone foundations, which are set on top of a buried sod layer, may belong to an 1812 period military structure - fragments of red painted plaster and wine bottle fragments have been recovered from this area.
- In 2F the tops of the two interior walls, the cross wall between these, and some of the exterior wall piers have been cleaned off.
- In the newly mechanically stripped area along the back end of City Hall, designated as 2G, the limestone foundation uncovered at the south end that was first interpreted as one of the earlier market shambles buildings that collapsed, may in fact be the military Guard House - only further investigation of the area can reveal the purpose of this building the newly uncovered area between 2B and King Street is designated as 2H - within this location the rear wall of the Market Wing was uncovered immediately east of the King Street sidewalk, along with the tops of more of the Market Wing piers - brick chimney flues or heating vents have been located on the interior of each corner.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- June 2/05 CKWS-TV News provided an update on the progress of the investigation.
- Regular updates are provided on both the City of Kingston and Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation Web sites.
- The crew continues to provide information on the general history and findings to date to visitors who stop at the fence.
