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
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