Posted on 05/06/2018 9:31:06 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA, Va. Nestled in centuries of dirt and debris, several well-preserved ships and artifacts have been unearthed that offer a glimpse of life at what was once one of the busiest ports in the North American colonies.
At the site for Robinson Landing, a new townhouse and condominium development along the Potomac River here, excavations have uncovered the protruding, curved wooden bones of the ships. Three ships were scuttled and buried here centuries ago as Alexandria sought to expand its land into the deeper waters of the river.
It tells us a lot about the resourcefulness of our predecessors, how pragmatic they were, said Dan Lee, the city historian in the Office of Historic Alexandria. They dont put ships in there because theyre sentimental, but because they needed something and they found a way to do it.
The three ships, buried just feet from each other, were an unusual find in a neighborhood where residents have fought for decades to preserve the remains of everyday artifacts unearthed in construction since the 1960s. In 2015, the remains of a ship were found a block away in the construction site for a hotel, but archaeologists were shocked earlier this year to find the three ships so close to one another.
Its a microcosm for the development of maritime-related cities, Eleanor Breen, the acting chief city archaeologist, said of the finds. It shows that the efforts to build out the land and try to make Alexandria an economically viable town were fairly successful.
The ships, she said, are by far the most striking discovery for the local community. But the urban archaeologists, who are required by city law to be present on any construction site, also found a trove of ordinary items.....
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.com ...
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Mmmm, mmmm... hardtack
Some day someone’s going to find a 300 year old Twinkie
Or a 300 year old fruitcake.
My home made fruitcakes won't last 300 years. Made in November, they are totally devoured by New Year's Day.
Nah, liberals just don’t live that long.
My brother and I have exchanged the same fruitcake for Christmas for 27 years.
It was a really cheap fruitcake and still looks edible.
It’s all in how we wrap it. I work in the building material chemical industry and he’s a metal shop teacher.
Last year, I gave it to him packed in 150 lbs of rocks and glue.
“Or a 300 year old fruitcake.”
There is only one fruitcake. It has been around the world many, many times and it is much older that 300 years.
Are you sure about the "devoured" part? My experience is one bite, then the rest goes quietly into the garbage.
I assume you’re talking about Hillary Clinton?
Thanks fieldmarshaldj.
Whoa! I like this!
The old ships are cheap too — they’re having a sail.
*groan*
That was punny, SC!
;o]
;^) I'm lateen out the real me.
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