POLLEN, PHYTOLITH AND MACROFLORAL ANALYSES FOR THE SOUTH FERRY TERMINAL PROJECT, NEW YORK CITY

Summary

Soil samples from excavation units associated with sections of the Battery Wall at the

South Ferry Terminal Archaeological Project in New York City were examined for pollen and

phytolith plant remains. Botanic samples and one floated light fraction also were sent for

macrofloral identification. In addition, two botanic samples were recovered from Whitehall Slip,

located east of the Battery Park excavations. All of these samples are part of ongoing

archaeological investigations related to the construction of a new South Ferry Terminal located

at the tip of Manhattan. This area has a long history of human use that includes Native

American occupation, a European colonial settlement in 1624, numerous Dutch and British

military structures, followed later by rail and subway facilities. Pollen, phytolith and macrofloral

analyses of samples from this site should provide environmental information such as climate,

moisture availability, and locally dominant vegetation, as well as plants utilized for food and

other functions.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• PaleoResearch Institute

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