The King Street Vessel (8SJ07432): A Nineteenth Century Vernacular Craft from St. Augustine, Florida. Part One: Discovery, Excavation Methodology, Site Description and Analysis of the Vessel and Associated Artifacts

In March 2023, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 2 began installation of stormwater drainage pipes from east to west beneath the intersection of King Street and Avenida Menendez in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. During construction, a quick response by the archaeological monitor led to the excavation of a small vernacular craft, likely used in fishing and transporting produce and other products to market. Hereafter referred to as the “King Street Vessel,” it was systematically removed over the course of eight days in October 2023. Subsequent analysis and digital imaging of the vessel were undertaken; the vessel was transported to the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program’s nearby laboratory for wet storage and a decision by the City of St. Augustine on conservation. The craft dates to the Postbellum (post-1865) era and was locally built, probably by and for the local Minorcan or African American community. This is the most well-preserved example of this type of craft located and archaeologically documented in the Southeastern United States.