Cultural Resource Management Report, 1998 Highway Program, Data Recovery, The White Site, Subi-1475 (NYSM #10917), PIN 9041.13.121 (94PR1391), New York State Route 17c, Town of Union, Broome County, New York

Summary

The White Site for most of its occupation was occupied by a sequence of railroad laborer families, largely of Irish descent. Irish-American labor was integral in the construction and operation of the American railway system during the mid to late 19th century. The expansion of alternative transportation networks and the expansion of suburban residential areas led to the replacement of small, laborer households during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Mid to late 19th century laborer household site; foundation of main building uncovered in test units and STPs; site occupied into early 20th century based on cultural material and documentary evidence. Reconnaissance testing and site examination found early to mid-19th century material and foundation remains. Data recovery excavations recovered large amounts of early to late 19th century material as well as turn of the century material. One deep historic fill feature was identified, probably dating to the late 19th or early 20th century.

The White Site produced information relating to the lives of lower class railroad workers and immigrants during the 19th century. These are social groups that are generally overlooked in written history, but were fundamental in the shaping of American society, especially during the Industrial Revolution. Archaeological investigations are the only means to directly access the lives of such groups. Additionally, the data produced by the White Site analysis has provided a valuable comparative case to apply to ongoing research on 19th century domestic sites in New York and beyond.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Broome County   •
• New York State Museum and the Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University Archaeological Collection   •
• National Archeological Database (NADB)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nina Versaggi

Sponsor(s): Federal Highway Administration; New York State Department of Transportation

Repository(s): Public Archaeology Facility, Binghamton University

Record Identifiers

PIN(s): 9041.13.121

NADB document id number(s): 3500262

NADB citation id number(s): 000000306962

Notes

General Note: A copy can also be found at the New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Waterford NY.

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