Archaeologists Find Colonial 'Time Capsule' In 18th Century Tavern In North Carolina

Archaeologists have discovered a colonial-era, dated to 18 ^th century, tavern in North Carolina.

Live Science said archaeologists from East Carolina University (ECU) identified the ruin as a tavern. They say the tavern could have been used as a brothel too. Charles Ewen, who led the excavation, described the building as a ‘time capsule’. Reports state that the tavern was razed to the ground by a fire. Ewen believes the fire occurred in the 1760s, causing the walls to fall over the floors. And this sealed the crawl space like a ‘time capsule’.

The treasure, according to Miami Herald, includes intact smoking pipes that were never used, iron tools and crushed liquor bottles. “Its a snapshot in time,” said Ewen. “Everything there got trapped.” He said the artifacts indicate a Colonial tavern, which can be made out from broken mugs, goblets and the brass tap from a wine barrel.

The building is believed to have been part of Brunswick Town, which according to historians was destroyed in 1776 by the British troops and never rebuilt. North Carolina officials said that land records suggest the building was built between 1730s and 1740s, and operated for 30 years before it was accidentially destroyed by the fire.

However, officials are not sure whether the tavern was also used as a brothel. Jim McKee, site manager of Brunswick Town said taverns in port towns played a dual role for sailors. “Artifacts found have included thimbles, straight pins and clothing fasteners associated with the town’s female populace,” officials said. But Mc Kee said it could have been carried by a man as part of his sewing kit. He said in Colonial towns, taverns were considered the most important structures.

“You would have a group of men talking business transactions, a group of people talking law, a group of people gossiping and of course, leisure. You might even have had escort service run out of them,” he explained.