UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ROOSEVELT INLET SHIPWRECK (7S-D-91A) VOLUME 1: FINAL REPORT 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 UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ROOSEVELT INLET SHIPWRECK (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