The vessel was likely a local trade ship

The remnants of the historic ship uncovered at the World Trade Center site has been removed piece by piece, but archaeologists are just starting to put the clues together. Believed to be a common schooner or dual-masted brigantine from the late 18th century, the ship was uncovered during Port Authority excavation in the south bathtub July 13th. The excavation process has been well documented, with a special revolving panoramic glimpse recorded and posted online here.

Dr. Warren Reiss of the University of Maine and archaeologists from the research firm AKRF have made a few determinations about the merchant ship. Approximately 60 feet long, the vessel was likely retired and submerged at the original western river’s edge to serve as part of the landfill that extended the downtown shoreline. Its floor was uncovered almost fully intact near the intersection of Washington and Cedar, surrounded by smaller artifacts like a pipe, shoes, and glass bottles. The ship’s curved floorboards and other pieces have been carefully removed and sent to a laboratory in Maryland for further examination.

To view Dr. Reiss’ presentation about the ship and discovery site, created with the help of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, click here.

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