Archaeological Investigations at Yourhaney Plantation (38GE18)

198Given its location in Feature 208, the lock probably dates to the turn of the century. A very similarlock was recovered from a feature at Stono Plantation near Charleston. The lock was in a featurecontaining creamware, placing the context in the late 18 th century. Another similar lock was foundat 14 Legare Street in downtown Charleston from a late 18 th to early 19 th century context (MarthaZierden, personal communication 2005).It should be noted that in most instances, brick and daub was noted and discarded in the field. Ifthere was a sizeable amount that could be weighed, it was weighed and discarded. Severalexamples of daub were retained for the collection. Unfortunately, in many instances it could not bedetermined if the fragments were daub or brick, unless a finished surface was available or therewere visible lath or stick impressions.BUILDING DESCRIPTIONSSeveral structures associated with the 18 th to early 19 th century use of the site as a plantation mainhouse complex were uncovered and are discussed below. Figure 50 shows the relationship ofStructures 2 through 6, while Figure 19 shows Structure 1.Structure 1 – Possible StorehouseStructure 1 is a square building located along the bluff of the river (see Figure 19). The structure isoriented with the bluff line at N1°W. The building measures 14 by 14 feet. In addition to thelarger posts that outline the building, there are two smaller ones in the interior that may havesupported the ridge line. Only one of these posts contained artifacts, which consisted of a sherd ofwhite delft (1700-1800) and one British brown mottled stoneware (1690-1775) fragment. Thesesherds suggest a possible early to mid-18 th century date of construction for the building.Unfortunately, the artifacts did not suggest a particular function. However, the absence of achimney or hearth indicates that it is not domestic. Its nearness to the old ferry landing couldindicate that it was a storehouse.The storehouse described in the Journal of the Commissioners of Indian trade is a log buildingmeasuring 12 by 10 feet (McDowell 1955: 110, 132). Structure 1 does not fit this descriptionterribly well. But it is possible that a log sill rested on earthfast posts and that the measurementsreported in the journal were an estimate. Although we had no definitive evidence to indicate thatthis building represented the trading post storehouse, the few ceramics do incorporate the timeframe that the post was known to be in use (1716-1718+).Structure 2 – Plantation Main HouseStructure 2 is a rectangular wooden dwelling house with what is interpreted to be a lath and clayplaster chimney (Figure 51). The outline of this building was difficult to identify as there weremissing posts and multiple wall lines, but given the features on the site and their alignments, someapproximation is provided here – granted tenuous.The building is oriented N7°”E and measures 23 by 32 feet. On the southern end is a rectangularfeature believed to be a chimney containing 3 posts on the short sides and four posts along thesouthern back (see Figure 50). The northern end is open, however there are a number of postsoutside this rectangle in the hearth area. Inside the chimney is an area of burnt sand and ashallow pit. The rectangle measures 4 by 5.5 feet and the posts are roughly 2 feet apart.