Anne Marie Millar (l) and Melissa Campbell of The Mariners’ Museum are just two of the many support personnel that sift through the buckets of mud from the turret excavations. It’s a muddy wet job, but they, along with all of our other supporters, have jumped in to do whatever has been asked in adverse conditions. Their efforts are appreciated. Click image for larger view and detailed explanation.
Although many details are still camouflaged, this image shows the two wood boxes and the cannon implements that we are excavating in the area behind the Monitor’s cannons. Click image for larger view and detailed explanation.
A silver fork was uncovered lying between two of the rail road roof beams beside the starboard cannon. This was the same area in the turret where we previously found two bone knife handles and a silver spoon. Click image for larger view and detailed explanation.
Excavation Progress
September 25, 2002
Jeff Johnston
NOAA Historian
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
After a week’s hiatus, work in the Monitor’s gun turret resumed the week of September 16-20. The excavation now is focusing on the area behind the cannons and carriages. Archaeologists are working to remove two wood boxes that are heavily concreted to the turret bulkhead and roof beams. Box number one is mostly collapsed and might turn out to be two boxes. Box number two is intact, missing only the lid.
There are numerous leather fragments under and stuck in between the collapsed portions of the first box. These could possibly be the remains of a gunner’s pouch.
This area is also where some of the cannon implements are projecting from under the concreted guns. Clearing has revealed one brass rammer head and a copper or brass shot ladle.
Most of one quadrant of the turret had been cleared down the roof rails and roof plating. With the exception of one pencil recovered two weeks ago, this area has been surprisingly devoid of artifacts.
Other artifacts recorded and removed during this work session have included a rubber gasket, a knife handle, a silver fork and spoon, and a leather boot.
Stay tuned for further findings!
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