ASNJ Conference 2024 | 02-17-24 Matthew Craig, Laboring for the Clarkes

Matthew Craig, Richard Grubb and Associates
Laboring for the Clarkes: Archaeology of a Late Eighteenth- to Early Nineteenth-Century Potential Enslaved Laborer Dwelling
Abstract:
Richard Grubb & Associates identified and archaeologically documented five sites, collectively known as the Area F Archaeological Historic District, within an agricultural field in the Clarksville area of West Windsor, Mercer County. Archaeological deposits dating from the late eighteenth century to the twentieth century were associated with several different families who owned the property. While many of the sites represent secondary refuse associated with a nearby farmstead, one site, the Area F-2 site, has evidence of a sill-on-grade dwelling. The dwelling appears to date from the late eighteenth century to when it was abandoned around 1820. This correlates with the ownership of the property by Dr. Israel Clarke, who enslaved several individuals. Data suggests the dwelling identified may represent a quarter for housing enslaved individuals on the Clarke property. Extensive archaeological excavations provided an opportunity to examine potential housing and material culture associated with enslaved individuals in central New Jersey.
This presentation was a part of the Saturday afternoon session of the conference:
A Varied and Diverse Landscape: Encampments, Tenant Laborers, Weavers, Farmers, and Enslaved Individuals in West Windsor
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