More History Found in Alexandria

Back in 2016, we shared a post about a Revolutionary War-era ship that was found on the construction site of Hotel Indigo. It was an exciting time for archaeologists and locals alike, with people flocking to the site to catch a glimpse of history. But since then, three more ships have been found. And the excitement is greater still.

Once construction was complete on Hotel Indigo, the three additional ships were located just a block south from the waterfront. 100,000 artifacts – “the foundation of a flour mill, coins from Ireland, England, France and Spain, pieces of ceramics, bottles and animal bones” – were found as well.

The trees used to build these ships are said to be from Boston, specifically. “Archaeologists believe that the ship was probably built sometime after 1741 in Massachusetts and that it ended up in the spot where it was unearthed because it was used as landfill in the late 1700s.”

The timbers of the first ship were kept wet in water-filled tanks – if not preserved in a wet environment (where it’s been sitting for hundreds of years) there is risk of deterioration – until relocated to Texas A&M University’s Conservation Research Lab. There is now a conservation fund for the ship, where donations can be contributed towards preservation. “Early Alexandrians sunk this vessel on the Potomac mudflats over 200 years ago,” the site reads. “Archaeologists unearthed the ship, temporarily saving it from destruction. We need your help to ensure the preservation of the fragile wood timbers for future generations to study and appreciate.” You can donate here.

To read more information about these ship, check out the following articles:

1. https://wtop.com/alexandria/2017/04/uncovering-mystery-behind-alexandria-waterfronts-18th-century-ship/
2. https://wtop.com/alexandria/2017/06/buried-alexandria-ship-journey/slide/1/
3. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/three-ships-from-the-1700s-found-on-one-block-in-old-town-alexandria/2018/04/12/98ba1c8c-3da0-11e8-8d53-eba0ed2371cc_story.html?utm_term=.3950a7e85890