If my name ever goes into history, it will be for this act, and my whole soul is in it.
— A. Lincoln, 1863Archaeology at the Cottage
In this section...
President Lincoln's Cottage Vicinity Map - 1867
During the restoration of President Lincoln’s Cottage, archaeological testing was conducted to see what kinds of evidence were left behind by the Lincoln family and other residents of the Cottage. Through archaeology, the “trash” left behind by past peoples can be used to learn more about them. Archaeologists excavated shovel test pits (round, systematically dug holes) on the Cottage lawn and in and around the north driveway. Test units (1m x1m squares) were excavated in targeted areas along the north façade of the Cottage and in the driveway. Many of these targeted areas were chosen based on historic photographs and maps that showed evidence of other outbuildings around the Cottage.
Some of the test areas yielded few artifacts due to significant ground disturbances over the past century. But others contained a considerable number of artifacts, dating from before President Lincoln’s time at the Cottage to well after his presidency.
The artifacts are as varied as the activities they reflect. Colorful pieces of ceramic, fragments of animal bones, and broken glass are the remnants of cooking and eating habits. A recovered laundry iron is a reminder of past household chores. Even two marbles, once toys meant for entertainment, provide insight into the past associated with President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Not only does the archaeological evidence reflect the activities of people associated with the Cottage, but it has also provided information on design elements of the Cottage. For example, a test unit excavated by the driveway on the north side of the Cottage revealed a small, intact portion of a cobblestone gutter. From this small piece of cobblestone gutter, archaeologists were able to deduce that the whole elliptical driveway in front of President Lincoln’s Cottage was once bordered by a cobblestone gutter.
The archaeological testing performed during the restoration and rehabilitation of President Lincoln’s Cottage indicates that promising archaeological deposits may still exist around the Cottage. Future excavations are intended in order to learn more about the Cottage and President Lincoln’s time spent here.
For additional images and information on each phase, please select from the links above. You may also find more information about the archaeology on our Blog.
