Market Square Reclamation: June 30 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
- The past four weeks have focused on several areas in order to prepare for the upcoming construction work.
- Work has involved recording of the structural elements in scale drawings, still photography and video.
- Limited excavation has continued in a number of areas
- Asphalt and gravel were mechanically stripped from the remainder of Market Square, extending both 2F and 2G to Market Street.
- Four test trenches (2J, 2K, 2L and 2M) were mechanically excavated in Market Street to assess archaeological resources there, while an additional area along the north and east side of Market Street was stripped and archaeologically investigated.
- A strip along the north side of Market Street was also mechanically stripped.
FINDINGS
- In the newly mechanically stripped area north of Market Street, in 2F and 2G, more of the limestone foundation interpreted as one of the earlier market shambles buildings that collapsed, has been uncovered - it appears to date from about 1815 to the 1830s based on two coins recovered adjacent to the structure, while other artifacts include butchered animal bone.
- The area at the east end of Market Street, designated as 2N, has revealed a shallow stone drain and associated stone catch basin that follow the curve of City Hall's administrative Wing - this indicates that the drain is likely associated with the 1840s construction of the City and Market Hall.
- The strip along the north side of Market Street was opened up to determine whether the shambles structure identified in 2F and 2G continues - an additional foundation, the weigh house was encountered here.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- COGECO Seniors Scope filmed an update on the progress of the investigation to be aired in the fall.
- 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
