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Unveiling Florida’s British Past
Archaeologists in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, have recently made remarkable discoveries that highlight the region’s brief British rule. Their excavation efforts in the Lincolnville neighborhood unveiled remnants of a historical British fortification.
Andrea White, a city archaeologist, spoke about the excavation project, which concluded in February. This dig, conducted in an area set for new construction, revealed an ancient moat from a British redoubt.
The Historical Context of St. Augustine
According to White, the findings illuminate an often-overlooked period of St. Augustine’s history. She emphasized that while the city is predominantly associated with its Spanish roots, it experienced a significant twenty-year period of British control over both East and West Florida.
Florida came under British governance in 1763 after Spain exchanged it for Havana, Cuba, which the British had captured. This change marked a significant pivot in the region’s history, as documented through various historical accounts.
Fortifications Amid Historical Tension
At the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War, British settlers remained wary of potential Spanish attacks. White explained that the fear of conflict led to the construction of fortifications around St. Augustine.
“The Spanish actually attacked both Mobile and Pensacola,” White warned, highlighting the ever-present threat to St. Augustine. “There was a great fear that there could be an attack on St. Augustine.”
To safeguard the city, planners designed a series of redoubts linked by walls and defensive moats. Unfortunately, these structures were never fully realized as the conclusion of the American Revolution diminished the threat to the British presence.
Insights from the Excavation
The excavation yielded surprising insights, particularly regarding the absence of artifacts. White noted that in urban excavations, archaeologists typically uncover numerous artifacts due to thousands of years of occupation.
“In this case, it was really the lack of artifacts that surprised us,” she remarked, implying that the findings prompt questions about daily life during the British rule.
The team uncovered limited items, such as fragments of pottery, lead shot, and small pieces associated with firearms. However, these finds still provide crucial information about the British presence in St. Augustine.
Understanding Archaeology’s Broader Significance
White urged a broader perspective on archaeology. “Everyone associates archaeology with finding things, and it’s really the information that we’re after as archaeologists,” she stated. The emphasis lies not merely in what is unearthed but in what that information reveals about the past.
Additionally, the excavation revealed an intriguing quantity of seeds preserved within the moat. These seeds survived due to favorable environmental conditions. “They were really well-preserved because it’s kind of in the water table at this point in time,” White explained.
Collaboration with Experts
To delve deeper into the potential findings, White’s team is collaborating with an ethnobotanist to study the plant remains. This partnership aims to enrich understanding of the historical agricultural practices and ecological landscape during the British occupation.
White pointed out that the redoubts are among the very few British-made fortifications in St. Augustine. During the transition of power, British settlers frequently adapted existing Spanish structures for their use instead of creating new ones.
The Ongoing Quest for Knowledge
White expressed hope for future discoveries, stating, “We sort of know what to look for, especially since there’s not a lot of artifacts associated with them.”
The city of St. Augustine’s archaeology program facilitates over sixty projects yearly, enabling archaeologists to uncover more about the city’s rich past.
Despite the many captivating archaeological digs ongoing worldwide, White emphasized the potential of exploration within the United States. “I think sometimes we’re surprised: ‘Wait, there’s archaeology in America, in our own backyard?’” she remarked. The reality of archaeological richness exists everywhere, even in areas that might not be as old as others.
A Door to Our Shared History
“There’s stuff everywhere; archaeology is always fascinating. It’s a remarkable way to learn about ourselves today,” White concluded.
This ongoing excavation in St. Augustine not only illuminates a pivotal yet understated chapter of American history but also underscores the importance of preserving and studying our collective past.
Reporting contribution from Fox News Digital’s Brooke Curto and The Associated Press.
