Archaeology at the President's House: Week of July 4, 2007

After excavating the pit features, it is now thought that none of these was a privy, and none of these wells was used during the President's House era. Where did they get their water? Where did they go to relieve themselves? Perhaps further excavation would reveal the answers. Congratulations to the archaeologists who spread out to answer everyone's questions. Visitation was huge this week! Click pictures for enlargements.

« Index of Archaeology Photo Galleries, Maps, etc.

Clay pipe fragments out of feature 22 — the Zorn property (524 Market); these all date to the late 19th century, or about 100 years after the President's House era.

Profile shot of the bottom of Feature 3 — the well at the far south end of the excavation. This well appears to contain only early 19th century fill deposits, but also contains an intact section of the original well pump — that's the telephone pole looking thing in the center of the well.

Looking up from the bottom of Feature 3 — gives you some perspective on what the original well diggers must have experienced.