Pouring Over the Past: Interpreting Life at an 18th Century Tavern in Brunswick Town, North Carolina

Abstract

In 2019, the East Carolina University archaeology field school partially excavated a structure in the historical Colonial port of Brunswick Town. Through comparative research, this structure was determined to be a tavern from the mid-18th century. Although the purpose of the building had been identified, daily life at the tavern is still poorly understood. Studying the architecture and artifact assemblage using a combination of traditional and neoteric methods has illuminated new interpretations of the structure. Examination of architectural features has revealed the structure likely belonged to a Caribbean Georgian-influenced Southern Vernacular style popular at Brunswick Town. Evaluation and cross-comparison of the artifact assemblage with other Colonial tavern sites suggest the tavern represents an intermediate stage between rural and urban environments. Further analysis of the provenience may imply the tavern burned before this urbanization process could have completed due to a fire stemming from the fireplace.