Cindy:

I am a historical archaeologist who has excavated two mid-to-late eighteenth
century shipwright homesteads along the upper Damariscotta River:
1.  Hale site                                 1765-1785
2.  Bryant-Barker Tavern site     1865-1803

You stated in your message that you have the most information from the state
of Maine- perhaps you already know about the two shipyard sites I'm studying?

If you would like additional information, please let me know.  I too would be
interested in your inventory of shipyard sites- particularly of 18th century
or early nineteenth century shipyard sites.  I look forward to hearing from
you.

Tim Dinsmore
archaeological consultant
207-563-5660

Cindy Peterson wrote:

> Seeing as I accidentally sent off an individual query to the entire list,
> thought I would provide an update to some shipyard archaeology research and
> apologize at the same time.
>
> Our office conducted data recovery at an 1870s-1972 iron/steel shipyard
> along the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa. Although no extant structures
> remain, 10 shipyard-related features were identified, including activity
> areas, the main shop, a crane track, and a refuse dump.
>
> I quickly discovered that reference citations to previous archaeological
> work were very difficult to locate. I posted a request for shipyard
> archaeology references a while back and want to thank those who replied. I
> have also contacted SHPO's, site records managers, state archaeologists,
> maritime researchers, Army Corps archaeologists, assorted field
> archaeologists, US Government Naval archaeologists, and museum personnel in
> 32 states along the coasts and larger inland waterways, seeking
> information. So far, I have had replies from all but 3 states, though I am
> awaiting specific information from several.
>
> My specific query was, "Have any shipyard, boatyard, or related sites
> received an archaeological site designation in your state, even if no work
> has been conducted at the site?" If the response was positive, I asked for
> more information on dates of operation, site number, reference citation,
> and basic boat info (wood vs. iron/steel ships). So far, Maine has recorded
> the greatest number of related sites, 31; followed by Alaska, with 4
> shipyards and several repair ways. At least 11 other states have one or two
> shipyards or related sites recorded (California, Connecticut, Delaware,
> Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and
> Virginia). Again, I am awaiting detailed responses from several people. Ten
> states have indicated that no related sites have been recorded. However, in
> most cases, it is very difficult to search site records for "shipyard"
> "boatyard" "ways" or "ship repair."
>
> Of the 51 shipyards or related sites folks have brought to my attention,
> four had an iron/steel boat-construction component. The others were wood
> shipyards. Dates vary widely, from Colonial to still in use.
>
> If anyone is aware of shipyard, boat yard, or boat repair archaeological
> resources, I would greatly appreciate your help. I am also happy to share
> these citations, as they become more complete.
>
> Cindy
>
> Project  Archaeologist
> Office of the State Archaeologist
> 700 CLSB
> University of Iowa
> Iowa City, Iowa 52242
>
> (319) 384-0726
> [log in to unmask]