Discovery of Barry’s Wharf on the Southeast Waterfront, Washington, DC

Summary

This is a paper/report submission presented at the 2020 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Archaeological studies have been taking place as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the former Southeast Federal Center (SEFC) in Washington, D.C., an area now known as “the Yards.” In late 2017 and early 2018, Louis Berger U.S., a WSP company (WSP), conducted archaeological studies along Water Street, SE. The studies were multifaceted and included trench excavations through thick fill. The investigation was able to identify a timber wharf known as Barry’s Wharf, which was the first berthing structure built in the District. Barry’s Wharf stood in the area between 1797 and an unknown point in the early nineteenth century. The site has been recorded as Site 51SE085, and has been determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and D. The wharf has been entirely documented and removed/destroyed within the development parcel, and plans for interpretation are being developed.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• 2020 SHA General Sessions   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2020

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 938