Hidden Clues to the Past

Tavern Landscape
Archaeologists explored the tavern lot and discovered the tavern foundation, an outbuilding's stone foundation, a small brick foundation, the privy foundation, and a number of trash pits. The tavern's cellar foundation was constructed of stone on three sides. Two brick fireplaces on the south wall of the tavern cellar were used to heat the building

Before modern trash disposal, people buried their trash in the back yard. In the early days, the Newgate tavern keeper tossed the trash out the back door. Later the trash was discarded in pits in the rear of the lot. Archaeologists learn about the people who visited Newgate Tavern by the trash they left behind.

Socializing
People often smoked while drinking and socializing. There were many pipe fragments found. This suggests Newgate Tavern was a place for frequent social gathering. The most frequent type of glass found was from wine bottles.

Food and Drink
The tavern's business was serving food and drink to lodgers and local community members. Tavern diners were served mostly meat from cows, pigs, and sheep. The bones that were discovered suggests that the meats were likely roasted or stewed. Guests also ate fish and blackberries or raspberries. The wide variety of ceramics found suggests that the tavern owners made frequent purchases of tableware. The difference in the types of ceramics probably reflects the tavern keeper's desire to appeal to a large number of patrons.

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Show me all markers in:  Centreville, VA  |  Fairfax County  |  20120  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Convicts and Slaves
Newgate Tavern
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Centreville, Virginia
Civil War Fortifications

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