Tomorrow's News, TODAY: Carl on San Marco

On a cold day in St. Augustine, City Archaeologist Carl Halbirt brought us news that warmed our hearts and minds.  Yesterday Carl responded in advance of planned construction (see St. Augustine Ordinance) across the street from the Castillo de San Marcos and uncovered several large features with sparse 16th century artifacts. 

What is it?  Too early to say, but plausible hypotheses range from a fort that would predate the existing (and 10th) Castillo across the street to a warehouse the was a support structure to the fort.

Look for article in paper later this week, but here is a sneak peek!

Carl with conservator John Powell (appropriately dressed for the site).

Shot recovered from the site that MAY* date to Searle's 1668 raid or Moore's 1702 seige.

Features scored in the ground to be documented before further investigation.

Carl stands next to the outline of a feature identified as a well. 
(Note: 14 foot distance across is only a portion of this enormous feature!)

Large posthole with post stain that has been bisected for photos and mapping.

View of project area, well feature is along back wall.

Experience Carl in the field- ambient noise and all!

** PLEASE NOTE WE ARE REPORTING FROM THE FIELD, INTERPRETATIONS ARE HIGHLY SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  We will report more as Carl returns to the field tomorrow and next week. 

For professional archaeologists concerned about site protection, the city is closely monitoring the site and has barricaded the area off from traffic. 

If you'd like to help or volunteer on the site, please contact the St. Augustine Archaeology Association.