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Archaeological excavation of the forepeak of the Civil War blockade runner Mary Celestia, Southampton, Bermuda
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2016
[PDF-55.91 MB]
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Description:The 1864 wreck of the iron-hulled side-wheel steamer Mary Celestia is a well-known and popular tourist diving attraction on the South Shore of Bermuda almost 1 km due south of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton. The wreck was salvaged at the time of the wreck event and also later in the mid-twentieth century. In the 1980s it was the subject of non-intrusive archaeological documentation. Reports of unsalvaged materials, including possible cargo, have circulated in Bermuda for decades. Extreme storm events in 2009-2010 exposed a probable wooden crate in the forepeak of the wreck as well as two corked and sealed wine bottles and an empty demijohn. Danger of loss through unauthorized recovery or ongoing erosion led to a program of excavation in June 2011. Excavation of the forepeak revealed evidence of the site formation process as well as well-preserved wooden joinery, decking and artifacts. The artifacts included additional wine, personal goods (possibly hidden or contraband), and fittings from the area used as the boatswain’s locker. This report documents the excavation and analysis of the forepeak and its contents, and updates the archaeological, architectural and historical contexts of Mary Celestia.
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Rights Information:CC0 Public Domain
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