Hello Diana,

In the early 1980s, when the Providence, RI train station was moved, with concomittent highway redisgn projects, very impressive archaeological sites (both prehistoric and historic) were found more than 30 feet deep in some locations.  A National Register District (Providence Covelands) was created.  Amoung the historic sites of interest was Snowtown, a late 18th/early 19th century African American community.  Amoung the fascinating artifacts was a "witching bottle" --small glass bottle with copper pins inside--at the doorway of one of the houses.  The initial testing included probes, cores, and backhoes.

Let me know if you want more information.

Charlotte Taylor
RI Historical Preservation Commission