UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION - Delaware

335 Pages·2010·9.05 MB·English

by  Michael Kivar

U A I
NDERWATER RCHAEOLOGICAL NVESTIGATION
O T R I S
F HE OOSEVELT NLET HIPWRECK
(7S-D-91A)
V 1: F R
OLUME INAL EPORT

State Contract No. 26-200-03
Federal Aid Project No. ETEA-2006 (10)

Prepared for:
Delaware Department of State
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
21 The Green
Dover, Delaware 19901
And for the
Federal Highway Administration and
Delaware Department of Transportation

By:

APRIL 2010
www.searchinc.com

U A I
NDERWATER RCHAEOLOGICAL NVESTIGATION
O T R I S
F HE OOSEVELT NLET HIPWRECK
(7S-D-91A)

State Contract No. 26-200-03
Federal Aid Project No. ETEA-2006 (10)

Prepared for

Delaware Department of State
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
21 The Green
Dover, Delaware 19901

And for the

Federal Highway Administration and
Delaware Department of Transportation

By

SOUTHEASTERN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH, INC.

Michael Krivor, M.A., RPA
Principal Investigator

AUTHORED BY:
MICHAEL C. KRIVOR, NICHOLAS J. LINVILLE, DEBRA J. WELLS, JASON M. BURNS, AND
PAUL J. SJORDAL
APRIL 2010

www.searchinc.com

Underwater Archaeological Investigations of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck FINAL REPORT
ABSTRACT

In the fall of 2004, a dredge struck an eighteenth-century wreck site during beach
replenishment, resulting in thousands of artifacts being scattered along the beach in Lewes,
Delaware. Local residents informed archaeologists with the Delaware Department of State
(State) Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (Division) about the artifacts, and
investigations were undertaken to locate the source of the historic material. Approximately
40,000 artifacts from Lewes Beach were recovered by archaeologists from the Division as
well as many private citizens who donated their artifacts to the Delaware Department of
State.

In consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District, a Phase I
and Phase II underwater archaeological survey and diver investigation (conducted by Dolan
Research, Inc.) of the area confirmed the presence of an eighteenth-century shipwreck site
in 2005. Initial estimates conjectured that approximately 80% of the shipwreck remained
undisturbed offshore. The wreck site was deemed eligible for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and was placed on the NRHP on November 16, 2006.

The State of Delaware subsequently contracted with Southeastern Archaeological Research,
Inc. (SEARCH) of Florida, to accomplish a variety of field investigations relative to the
Underwater Archaeological Investigation for the Department of State For The Roosevelt Inlet
Shipwreck (7S-D-91A), State Contract No. 26-200-03, Federal Aid Project No. ETEA-2006
(10). From September 27 through October 27, 2006 SEARCH conducted a preliminary
remote sensing survey, a non-intrusive hydro probe survey, controlled surface collection of
artifacts, a controlled excavation of eleven 10-x-10-foot grid squares, and a post-remote
sensing survey of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck. The phased investigation conducted by
SEARCH, in cooperation with the State, was successful in better defining the nature and
elements of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck.

Results of the preliminary remote sensing survey, utilizing a magnetometer and side scan
sonar, were successful in providing data critical to understanding the condition and extent
of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck prior to diver investigations. The side scan sonar survey
clearly identified the exposed concretions at the north end of the site, a longitudinal
timber extending north/south along the length of the site, and an area of exposed artifacts
near the dredge pit at the southern extent of the site.

The hydro probe survey and surface collection of artifacts proved extremely beneficial in
determining the extent of buried hull remains in a non-intrusive manner. In addition, the
surface collection of artifacts helped in gathering data relative to the distribution of
artifacts across the entire site. The most interesting result from the hydro probe survey was
the overall lack of extant hull structure associated with the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck.

i Abstract
April 2010 Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc.
Partial excavation of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck, utilizing two 10-x-10-foot grid squares,
a 3-inch venturi-style dredge, and a variety of measuring devices was successful in mapping
extant hull construction features, artifacts, and site remains. Close examination and
mapping of the site confirmed that only a small portion of the hull associated with the
Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck remains intact. The post-remote sensing survey, including a side
scan sonar integrated with a Differential Global Positioning System, was conducted after
the excavation. This survey was useful in providing a visual image of the site, post-
excavation.

Analysis of the hull remains, artifact assemblage, and material culture of the Roosevelt
Inlet Shipwreck offers insight into the research objectives proposed by the State prior to
the current investigation. The hull analysis conducted by SEARCH is limited, due to
relative lack of hull remains. A review of the substantial artifact assemblage recovered
during the current investigation indicates that the vessel grounded in the shallows off
Roosevelt Inlet and became stranded sometime between 1772 and 1800. Review of
primary and secondary sources have identified 31 vessels wrecked at or near Lewes,
Delaware between 1772 and 1800.

The hull and artifact analysis have also enabled SEARCH to answer additional questions
regarding the wreck site. The Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck provides an intriguing look into
the late-eighteenth century merchant trade. This is evidenced by the broad array of
artifacts recovered from the site during the current investigation. The vessel appears to
have been an inbound merchant vessel, loaded with cargo bound for Philadelphia. The
lack of hull remains indicates that the vessel was likely extensively salvaged and has been
exposed to environmental conditions which have affected the vessel’s integrity.

It is unfortunate that the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck was impacted by dredging activities in
2004. This type of incident can be averted in the future by close review of submerged
cultural resource survey reports prior to potentially damaging impacts, such as dredging or
marine-related construction activities. To date there are no current survey standards for
submerged cultural resource surveys within the State of Delaware. It is recommended the
State implement a standard set of guidelines for all submerged cultural resource surveys
within State waters. This includes any State waterways that may have been utilized by
historic watercraft. The State has a rich maritime past, and its submerged cultural
resources, which are finite, should be protected from any future threats that may impact
potentially significant submerged cultural resources.
Abstract ii
Underwater Archaeological Investigations of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck FINAL REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. (SEARCH) would like to acknowledge all of
the individuals and organizations that made this project a success, beginning with the State
of Delaware, Department of State and former Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor
and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Director and State Historic
Preservation Officer, Tim Slavin and Deputy Director, Steve Marz. State project personnel
included Chuck Fithian, Curator of Archaeology, Craig Lukezic, Archaeologist, Gwen
Davis, Archaeologist, Faye Stocum, Archaeologist, Susan Ritter, Archaeologist, Jessica
Lingo, Project Senior Research Assistant, Francis Lukezic, Project Senior Research
Assistant, and Mary Harper, IT Specialist. Sharyn Murray contributed artifact illustrations,
including ones featured on the cover of this report. Laboratory volunteers included:
Caroline Whalen-Strollo, Lawrence and Lana Wesley, Jean Coggins, Peter Bon, June-Rose
Futcher, Gabrielle Copans, Nichol Thomson, Joanne Stickel, Betty Hunsberger, Brian
Lindsay, Charles Sheppard, Terri DePrima, John and Alana Bansch, Bill Brown, John
Walker, Joan Myer, Carol Hastings, Ann Robertson, Mary Jane Temple, Susan Griffith,
Daniel Miller, Kathy Boyd, Bridget McVae, Jennifer Gardner, John McGovern, Jill
Showell, Ellie Menser, Cheryl Hostetler, Karen Fischer, Kent Slavin, Kurt Winkler and
Jane Clifton, and Gary Schmidt. Steve Bilicki volunteered on the water. Other
contributors include contract historian Diane Hungate and archeobotanical consultant
Justine Woodard McKnight.

Additional invaluable assistance was provided by Captain Paul Hepler and Ruth Hepler of
the M/V Venture III; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District Archeologist Bob
Dunn; Captain Art Sundberg, Assistant Director, Marine Operations at the University of
Delaware; the Roosevelt Inlet Marine Unit and Sergeant Brian Austin; and the U.S. Coast
Guard Station Indian River Inlet and MSD Roosevelt Inlet. The staff and volunteers at
the Zwaanendael Museum, and Dave Moore and Dr. Nathan Richards should also be
recognized for providing analysis resources.

Special recognition is given to Dan Griffith, former Project Director, Lewes Maritime
Archaeology Project. Without Dan, this entire project would not have been successful.

The Underwater Archaeological Investigation of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck was
performed by SEARCH under contract to the State of Delaware, Department of State,
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. SEARCH’s Principal Investigator was Michael
Krivor, M.A., RPA. Nick Linville, M.A., served as the Project Historian. Jason Burns,
M.A., RPA served as Project Manager and was assisted in the field by John W. Morris III,
M.A., RPA, James W. Hunter, M.A, Paul Sjordal, M.A, RPA, Michael Murray, M.A, and
Matthew DeFelice, B.A, ABT. SEARCH’s Lab Director, Debra Wells, M.A., RPA,
contributed to the overall success of the project through her tireless efforts conducting the
artifact analysis and write-up, as well as GIS and Figures creation.

iii Acknowledgements
April 2010 Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc.

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Acknowledgements iv
Underwater Archaeological Investigations of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck FINAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

VOLUME 1: FINAL REPORT
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................. i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................ iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. V
LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... ix
LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................... xvii

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER 2
ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING .................................................................................. 5
Historic Chart and Map Review ........................................................................................ 6
Project Background ........................................................................................................... 12

CHAPTER 3
HISTORIC CONTEXT ............................................................................................ 17
Early Maritime Trade ........................................................................................................ 17
Maritime Trade of the Mid-Eighteenth Century ............................................................. 19
Maritime Trade of the Revolutionary War ...................................................................... 24
Maritime Trade of the Post-Revolutionary War Period .................................................. 27

CHAPTER 4
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGIES ............................................. 29
Research Objectives .......................................................................................................... 29
Archival Research Methods .............................................................................................. 30
Remote Sensing Survey Methods ..................................................................................... 30
Site Investigation Methods ............................................................................................... 34
Hydro Probe Survey Methods .......................................................................................... 40
Site Excavation .................................................................................................................. 43

CHAPTER 5
FIELD INVESTIGATION RESULTS ........................................................................ 49
Preliminary Remote Sensing Survey ................................................................................ 49
Hydro Probe Survey .......................................................................................................... 53
Test Unit Results .............................................................................................................. 56
Test Unit Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 77
Post-Remote Sensing Survey ............................................................................................. 77

v Table of Contents
April 2010 Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc.
CHAPTER 6
THE ARTIFACT ASSEMBLAGE AND ITS CULTURAL CONTEXT ...................... 79
Architectural ..................................................................................................................... 81
Clothing ............................................................................................................................ 90
Furnishings ......................................................................................................................100
Kitchen ............................................................................................................................106
Personal ...........................................................................................................................166
Armaments ......................................................................................................................205
Activities ..........................................................................................................................207
Vessel Architecture .........................................................................................................224
Undetermined .................................................................................................................227
Indeterminate ..................................................................................................................233
Modern/Intrusive Material ............................................................................................234

CHAPTER 7
SPATIAL ANALYSIS .............................................................................................. 235

CHAPTER 8
HULL REMAINS ................................................................................................... 259
Longitudinal Timber ......................................................................................................259
Planking ...........................................................................................................................259
Fasteners ..........................................................................................................................260
Lead Sheathing................................................................................................................260
Wood Species ..................................................................................................................260
Wreck Analysis ................................................................................................................261

CHAPTER 9
CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................... 265
Preliminary Remote Sensing Survey ..............................................................................265
Hydro Probe Survey ........................................................................................................265
Excavation of the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck .................................................................266
Artifact Analysis ..............................................................................................................267
Spatial Analysis ...............................................................................................................268
Hull Analysis ...................................................................................................................271
Post-Remote Sensing Survey ...........................................................................................272
Research Objectives ........................................................................................................272
Vessel Candidates for the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck ...................................................279
Interpreting the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck ...................................................................283
Recommendations ..........................................................................................................285

REFERENCES CITED ............................................................................................ 291
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CONSULTED.......................................................... 310

Table of Contents vi