Long Barrack Archaeology Update - March 1

Due to inclement weather, archaeologists only worked in the field three days during the week of February 26. Four excavation units were active during the week.

In EU-2B, archaeologists continued to delineate the limestone alignment that extends the length of the unit. The southern portion of the alignment has a slightly different construction than the originally exposed northern portion. The segment of the feature within EU-2B is comprised of larger limestone and extends deeper. There was also a portion of a prepared surface towards the base of the feature at approximately 100 cm below surface.

Archaeologists in EU-6 have reached the terminal depth, approximately 150 cm below surface. Hardpan extends across the base of the unit. The soil is a culturally sterile sediment that is present at a similar depth in all previously excavated units.

In EU-10, archaeologists reached a depth of approximately 50 cm below surface. Excavations were focused on the east side of the unit, where a concentration of charcoal and fire-cracked rock was present. This deposit was roughly demarcated by small limestone cobbles and may continue to the east beyond the unit. While archaeologists are still investigating thie feature, preliminary investigations suggest this was some type of hearth or cooking feature.

Archaeologists in EU-12 reached a depth of approximately 90 cm below surface. There are two distinct episodes within this unit. A more modern trench, likely associated with reconstruction of the Long Barrack wall, is present on the west side of the unit. On the east side of the unit there is a different soil type that also contains more cultural material. The lighter, softer sediment on the east side may have originally extended to the wall of the Long Barrack and was later cut into for wall repairs.