Packing up Ship in Alexandia

Archaeologists found the partial hull of a ship at the site of a new hotel construction project in Old Town Alexandria.  This cargo ship was constructed in 1741(established through dendrology) and scuttled in 1780's.  It was found on the same one-block site where workers two months ago discovered a 1755 foundation from a warehouse that is believed to have been the city’s first public building.

June 13, 15, and 16 volunteers documented the timbers, removed treenails, wrapped the timbers, constructed containers, and loaded timbers onto a trailer under the direction of the Texas A and M conservators.  At least one CCASM member volunteered at the site.

The first photo shows timber being kept in the storage vat.  Then each piece of wood is measured, photographed, and a computer record of the number and the measurement is recorded.  The last photo shows the timber being wrapped to keep it as wet as possible for transport.

Thanks to Evelyn for providing the photos.